Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center Principal Investigator and State Climatologist of Ohio Aaron Wilson recently contributed to Crain’s Cleveland Business coverage examining climate change, resilience, and the future of Northeast Ohio.

In his opinion piece, “Drought to deluge: Why Ohio must prepare for both,” Wilson discusses the increasing need for Ohio communities to prepare for weather and climate extremes. Recent conditions demonstrate the challenge: after Ohio experienced its driest August on record in 2025, parts of the state have seen exceptionally wet conditions in August 2026.

Wilson’s commentary is part of a larger Crain’s Cleveland Business discussion about Cleveland’s potential future as a “climate haven.” While the Great Lakes region may be comparatively less vulnerable to some climate hazards facing other areas of the country, challenges including aging housing, infrastructure and increasingly variable weather remain important considerations for long-term climate resilience.

As Ohio experiences shifts between periods of drought and heavy precipitation, understanding these changing conditions can help communities make informed decisions about infrastructure, water resources and climate preparedness.

Read Aaron Wilson’s opinion piece: Drought to deluge: Why Ohio must prepare for both — Crain’s Cleveland Business

Explore the broader feature: Cleveland’s pitch to be a climate haven is at odds with its aging housing stock — Crain’s Cleveland Business

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