The Effects of Climate Change in Oklahoma

What effect will Global Warming have on the state of Oklahoma? Oklahoma has worked hard to become a respected state in the nation. The state's climate may have had more effect on its economic success than any other state and its climate. Consider the ravages of the Dustbowl that destroyed agriculture in the 30s, to the wildfires that threatened the hay needed for cattle two years ago, to tornados that have leveled towns. Climate change is going to impact Oklahoma, but how so? How will a state so dependent on its climate be affected by this climate change? First let us get an understanding of the current economy and ecology of the state.

Few states have as much biological diversity as the state of Oklahoma. In the southeastern corner of the state, there are vast cypress swamps, the only place where alligators are native to Oklahoma. In the Ouachita Mountains of southeast Oklahoma, the forests consist of yellow pine. Northeastern Oklahoma is characterized Rivers, Lakes, Hills, and Oak forests. Much of the state's water supply comes from northeastern Oklahoma. The north central region is covered with tall grass prairies. Wild buffalo still roam in this area. Western Oklahoma is a mix of jagged hills and short grass prairies.

Oklahoma's economy is in large part based on agriculture. "It's impossible to talk about Oklahoma without talking about agriculture. The state continues to be a leader in the production of wheat and cattle, as well as other grains and nuts. Just as importantly, the processed foods industry, which produces everything from sausages to sweets..."(Oklahoma Department of Commerce) Distribution of much of Oklahoma's goods occurs because of the McClellan-Kerr Navigation system that uses the Arkansas and Verdigris waterways.

According to the EPA, there could be both benefits and dangers for Oklahoma if climate change occurs. Most climate predictors state that Oklahoma will receive more rainfall on average. This may sound like a blessing if one fails to evaluate the statement. It is the frequency of rainfall that is of more importance. The models predict that there will greater periods of no rain, while single storms will produce more rainfall, much of which will not soak into the soil, but create flash floods. Oklahoma's urban areas would be most at risk of flashing flooding. Though it is unclear whether increasing temperatures will cause more tornados, the frequency of strong storms is sure to increase.

Despite this increase in rainfall, there will be an increased need for irrigation in the western part of the state. Rapid rainfall means that ground water reservoirs will have a negative water retention rate because most rain will empty into the rivers rather than soak into the bedrock in a rapid rainfall event. Western Oklahoma, which has fewer lakes and rivers, relies on underground aquifers for irrigation. In order to prevent these underground aquifers from going dry, agriculture may need to be scaled back, hurting the economy of the western part of the state. (Statement)

If climate change models that suggest a drier climate are accurate, then there is an even more alarming scenario to consider. "In the summer, without large increases in precipitation, higher temepratures and increased evaporation could lower stream flows and lake levels. Less water would be available to support important uses of numerous reservoirs in eastern Oklahoma, such as navigation, hydropower generation, water supply, recreation, and fish and wildlife habitat." (EPA) If the waterways in eastern Oklahoma are compromised, the economies of major Northeastern Oklahoma cities that rely on barges from coastal cities would greatly suffer. Here are some statistics regarding the importance of the eastern Oklahoma water navigational system to the state economy: "In an average year, 13-million tons of cargo is transported on the McClellan-Kerr by barge. This ranges from sand and rock to fertilizer, wheat, raw steel, refined petroleum products and sophisticated petrochemical processing equipment." (TulsaPort) Oklahoma's already overburdened highway system would have to take on the extra volume of traffic if this system is compromised.

The ecosystem most in danger of climate change in Oklahoma is the prairies. Whether there is an increase or decrease in rainfall, prairies will suffer. Drier conditions between rain events would lead to grass fires of greater duration and intensity. (EPA) It is also possible that with increased rainfall, eastern forest will creep westward choking out the native prairie ecosystems. The grasslands have already been threatened by agriculture and overgrazing throughout Oklahoma's history, climate change would add to this destruction, further endangering some species such as wild buffalo.

Though pine forests could increase, so too would the periods of drought. During these times of drought extensive forest fires are also likely to occur. Certain trees that rely on colder weather could be choked out by warmer weather trees.

There is some encouraging news. Oklahoma would have a longer growing season. This would allow for increased crop output during drought-free years. Despite this possible benefit, certain crops such as winter wheat and orchards would be prone to frosts in early spring and winter. When an increase in warm spells, crops may bloom too early, which then makes them vulnerable if temperatures fall back below freezing. (EPA)

These are just a few possibilities. No one is sure of what will occur. It is important, though, to consider these likely possibilities. Oklahoma needs to protect its natural treasures as well as its man-made agricultural and transportation infrastructure from climate change. If the state fails to prevent or adapt, the ecology and economy may suffer as a result.

© 2008 Justin Kunsman

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