Manitoba Climate Change Task Force - International Institute for ...

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MCCTF Report 2001 — Manitoba and Climate Change: Investing in our future
for this system and greatly increase the cost of its maintenance. In northern Manitoba,
rising temperatures are expected to lead to permafrost melting, which could cause
extensive disruption to existing road, rail and airport infrastructure. Warmer
winters will also reduce the length of time winter roads can be used, affecting access
to and from remote communities and increasing the need to fly in supplies.
In southern Manitoba, higher temperatures and changes in the frequency of the
freeze/thaw cycle could increase the incidence of pavement buckling. Culverts
and drains used to manage water on roads and right of ways may require greater
maintenance. Changing winter storm patterns could make snow and ice
management more difficult. Personal automobile users and trucking companies
throughout Manitoba may be affected by rising costs for gasoline and diesel fuel.
The transportation sector can play a key role in mitigation efforts through the
introduction of policies and programs that support increased fuel efficiency,
promotion of the use of alternative fuels and hybrid vehicles, improved public
transportation and encouragement of e-commerce and telecommuting. These
efforts will not only reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and several other
pollutants, but will also provide savings for consumers.