Climate Change in Michigan and the Great Lakes: Small Business Impacts

Despite all the speculation about the extent of climate change and its effect on environment, health, world population and economics, one thing is certain: no one will be more affected than communities surrounded by water. Michigan is in for some unique weather changes and challenges in the next decade and beyond. Most people, even climate scientists, have trouble envisioning the scope of possible changes.

After all, it is part of human nature to focus on day-to-day weather. Michigan residents are typically most concerned with snowfall for tomorrow or sun this weekend—but thinking further ahead gets very complicated.

Still, small business people are forward thinking. They must be in order to thrive. For the entrepreneur, change can bring opportunities, if the business is properly funded to take advantage of them. Being prepared, for the small businessperson, often means being two steps ahead of the pack and able to turn on a dime. A small business loan Grand Rapids business expansion can help local companies adapt and grow in the coming years of climate change.

What Climate Change Could Do In Michigan

Michigan residents are already dealing with new weather conditions like the changing frequency of lake-effect snow. Warmer temperatures, including water temps, could reduce and/or delay the formation of lake ice and increase the area experiencing lake effect snow. The amount and timing of lake effect snow, in turn, greatly affects water quality, as noted in a study from the University of Michigan published in the AMS (American Meteorological Society) Journal recently.(1) Run-off from the extra snow could encourage algae growth in spring, affecting aquatic life and local water quality. Intensity of snowfall can also affect travel, meaning changing patterns of customer visits (and shifts in slow and busy seasons) for retail locations, restaurants and more. In addition, there may be more days when employees might have trouble getting to work.

The list of possible community effects goes on. The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is currently studying the public health vulnerabilities of such weather shifts as increased heat events, and resulting effects on local air quality, water supply and more. The following changes are expected for Michigan:

• Deteriorating air quality due to excess ozone and airborne particulates, heat and drought effects, will increase the incidence of respiratory ailments.
• Lower water quality due to additional rainfall or (or water/food shortage in drought conditions) could create more food-and-waterborne illnesses.
• Diseases not normally found in Michigan could appear.
• More extreme heat events per year, bringing more heat-related illnesses and loss of life.

A small business in the healthcare or environmental sector will be greatly effected by any climate changes, but really no small business--in any sector--is immune.

Will Climate Change Grow Grand Rapids Businesses?

The only upside to the coming environmental challenges is that they may spur local entrepreneurs to create new businesses, processes and products. Small business has a large role in adapting the region (and local residents) to new Great Lakes climate conditions. Flexible entrepreneurs can shift to accommodate the new business environment with options like small business loans to help make new ideas a reality.