Lesson 2 Climate

You can probably think of many different ways that our climate affects us. It dictates what crops we grow, what sports we play, how much energy we use, and how we build our houses.

Climate plays a large role in where we choose to live. Areas with more extreme climates tend to have a smaller population than areas with a milder climate. For example, as you travel farther north to Alberta’s northern border or into the Northwest Territories, the population drops to 0.04 people per square kilometre (according to 2016 data from Statistics Canada). Compare that to 6.35 people per square kilometer in the Calgary–Edmonton region (according to 2016 data from Statistics Canada). As you travel south, you will see this trend continue. According to the World Bank, in 2016, the United States had 35 people per square kilometre.

People tend to move toward milder climates because it is easier to live in those climates. When living in extreme climates, people have to make sure that they are dressed for the weather and that they have appropriate shelter. Albertans have to make sure they are dressed warm enough in the winter to avoid frostbite and cool enough in the summer to avoid heat stroke. We also have to make sure we have a warm place to go in the winter to escape the weather and a cool place in the summer. People living in the extremely warm climate of Arizona are more concerned with not burning their hands on their steering wheels than not freezing their hands. They may have a remote starter on their car to cool it down before getting in, rather than warming it up.

When living in a region with a more extreme climate, people also need to make sure their houses and buildings are built to withstand the climate. Houses in Alberta need to be built to support the heavy load of snow in the winter. They also need to be well insulated, doors have to be thick and tightly sealed, and windows need to be at least double-paned to avoid heat loss. In other parts of the world, houses need to be built to withstand hurricanes, large amounts of rain, or extreme heat. Albertans need to use more energy to run our furnaces to stay warm in the winter. Since our climate does not allow for the growing of food all year round, we must pay higher prices for fresh produce, as it must be transported here from warmer climates, such as California or Florida. Next time you are at your local grocery store, take a look at the stickers on the produce. Where is that produce coming from?