In the midst of a severe drought, Steve McBride, a homesteader in Newfoundland and Labrador, is struggling to adapt to the region's dwindling water supply. Despite his initial belief that the province would be less affected by climate change, McBride now finds himself making daily trips to a nearby pond to ensure his animals' well-being. The dry conditions have impacted not only the water supply but also the animals' behavior, with McBride even having to water his bees for the first time.
McBride's situation highlights the challenges faced by many in the region, as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's drought monitor confirms that the Avalon Peninsula is experiencing severe to extreme drought, both short and long term. The federal department's data reveals that Newfoundland and Labrador was notably drier than other Atlantic provinces this summer. As the climate continues to change, McBride and others like him must adapt to a new reality, with potential government support and initiatives to build community resilience and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
