Global warming might lower Lake Michigan's water levels But April's cold temperatures don't reflect the changes a new study reveals By Monique Balas News-Chronicle Wisconsin's climate can mirror that of Arkansas. Fisherman could plan to catch catfish rather than trout. These are changes that Wisconsinites can expect over the next century if greenhouse gases continue to rise, say scientists who released results Tuesday of a two-year study of the effects of climate change in the Great Lakes region. The study, the first comprehensive study of climate change in the area, is a joint effort of the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Ecological Society of America. Scientists from the University of Toronto and four Midwestern universities, including the University of Wisconsin, wrote the report. The scientists did the study because "it's in our own backyard," said James Hodgson, a biology and environmental science professor at St. Norbert College who discussed the findings Tuesday. Not only will Wisconsin's future generations see winter temperatures go up between 5 and 12 degrees and summer temperatures between 5 and 20 degrees, but precipitation might shift significantly, causing lake water levels to dwindle and once-tropical diseases to infect the Great Lakes region. "As a physician, I can identify types of diseases that can result in the changes, such as malaria, encephalitis, Lyme disease and Hantavirus - that may be a problem, whereas now it's somewhat confined to dry areas," said Dr. Joseph Bachman, a doctor from Neenah who spoke Tuesday. The problem lies in greenhouse gas emissions, Hodgson said. The damage might not be permanent and there are things people can do, he said. "The solution is not trying to get rid of greenhouse gases, but to emit less and be more benign in consumer attitudes and behavior," Hodgson said. "It will be absolutely remiss if we don't think of the catastrophe we'll have in our midst." How can Green Bay residents help? "By buying more fuel efficient/hybrid vehicles, using energy-efficient light bulbs and insulating homes, said Sister Maria Drzewiecki, justice and peace coordinator of Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross, who spoke at the news announcement.