Presenter: Ahmad Bhatti

Title: “Climate Change Impact Assessment and Mitigation Strategies for Sustainable Water and Agricultural Management in Prince Edward Island”

Abstract:

PEI has abundant water resources and rain-fed agriculture; its sustainability is, however, at stake due to environmental changes like warming, changing precipitation patterns, pumping concentrations, etc. Research and knowledge gaps in its science-based information have been filled using rational materials and methods. The changes and impacts on temperature, precipitation, streamflows, groundwater recharge, potential evapotranspiration, potatoes’ water requirements, supplemental irrigation requirements, and sustainable water availabilities have been analyzed for the eastern, central, and western parts for the longest 150-years (1931–2080). Daily and some hourly observed climatic data were used, along with validated modeled data of Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium, etc. Distributed hydrological modeling of the western (Mill and Wilmot rivers), central (West and Winter rivers), and eastern (Bear River) watersheds were undertaken, using Soil and Water Assessment Tool. Statistical significance of the temporal changes among the climatic normals under different IPCC’s RCP scenarios were determined using Analysis of Variance.

If you wish to attend the public presentation, please contact the Graduate Studies Coordinator at gsc@upei.ca to receive the link.