Skates and hockey sticks clacking on backyard ice rinks signal the arrival of winter for many Canadians. However, Robert McLeman, a geography and environmental studies professor at Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, cautions that climate change is significantly impacting this beloved winter tradition.
McLeman reminisces about the simpler times when creating a rink meant flooding packed snow on the ground. Nowadays, with the ground freezing less solidly, even a slight thaw in mid-winter can lead to the entire rink melting away, necessitating a fresh start.
While much attention is given to climate change’s effects on distant ecosystems like polar bears and mountain glaciers, McLeman believes observing its impact on familiar activities such as family rinks could galvanize communities into action.
Leading the charge is RinkWatch.org, a website McLeman directs, established in 2012. Here, individuals can mark the location of their backyard rinks on a global map to help track climate change’s effects. Over 1,400 rinks worldwide are documented on the map, with approximately 50 in New Brunswick, spanning from Edmundston and Bathurst to Saint John, Sackville, and Shediac.
Described as a “citizen science research initiative,” RinkWatch urges participants to monitor winter weather conditions and study climate change’s long-term impacts. By updating their rink’s ice conditions on the website regularly, users provide scientists with valuable data to analyze changing winter patterns across Canada.
McLeman notes that the process of creating outdoor rinks has evolved significantly due to changing conditions. Many are now resorting to investing in chillers or constructing artificial refrigerated rinks in barns, or laying down plastic liners before flooding to protect the rink.
The backyard rink holds sentimental value for numerous families, serving as a gathering place for all generations during the winter months. McLeman emphasizes the importance of preserving this tradition, highlighting that recent mild winters may deceive people into thinking this weather pattern is normal when, in fact, past winters were more typical.
He underscores the role of backyard rinks in illustrating the tangible impacts of climate change on everyday life, warning that if the current rate of change continues, winters will become significantly milder. This shift could result in quicker snowmelt, freezing rain, and slush, potentially limiting outdoor winter activities for future generations.
In conclusion, the potential loss of this cherished tradition underscores the urgent need for climate action to safeguard winter experiences for present and future generations.
