On a scorching day in a Gaspésie salt marsh in eastern Quebec, Kathryn McRuer-Nicol, conducting her master’s research, felt the relentless sun on her back as she struggled with the oppressive heat. Despite the water in the marsh failing to provide relief due to the extreme temperature reaching record highs in the area, she and her team intended to spend hours collecting air samples and environmental data. Their focus was on determining the impact of the invasive plant, the European common reed, on the carbon storage capacity of the salt marsh, crucial for mitigating global warming.
With heavy equipment to maneuver and data to gather, the team’s plans were disrupted as members began experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion within minutes. Despite efforts to press on with the research, the intense heat quickly took its toll, forcing some to retreat to find relief. McRuer-Nicol reflected on the irony of studying solutions for climate change impacts while struggling to cope with the immediate effects of extreme heat.
As a seasoned researcher in marine and freshwater biology and physical geography, McRuer-Nicol had previously analyzed the environmental implications of climate change without fully considering its personal consequences. However, recent firsthand experiences, including enduring a severe wildfire season in northern Ontario that left her with acute bronchitis, have brought the reality of climate change closer to home. She now grapples with the urgency of adapting to the escalating environmental challenges rather than solely focusing on scientific solutions.
Feeling the weight of the climate crisis and the limitations of scientific interventions, McRuer-Nicol emphasizes the need for researchers to candidly express their concerns and fears to the public. She advocates for translating scientific findings into actionable insights for Canadians to comprehend the gravity of the situation. As the summer heat fades into fall, McRuer-Nicol remains resolute in her commitment to raising awareness about the pressing need for adaptation in the face of rapid environmental changes.