**Is Chicago Truly a Climate Haven Amidst a Changing Climate?**

*By David Yeomans | CBS News | October 29, 2025*

As the climate changes, Chicago and the Great Lakes region are sometimes referred to as a “climate haven”—an area that might be sheltered from some of the worst impacts of global warming. Far from Gulf Coast hurricanes and California wildfires, Chicagoland seems like a safe place to be in a warming world. But is it?

“There’s really no place in the world that is truly a climate haven. It’s more a matter of picking your poison,” said climate researcher Dr. Kirstina Dahl. “My top concerns would probably be increased flood risk.”

Heavy rainfall in the area is now about 10% heavier than it was in 1970. Just this summer, devastating 500-year and 1,000-year rain events flooded Chicago neighborhoods.

“And I would also worry about the wildfire smoke,” Dr. Dahl added. As nearby Canada heats up, its vegetation dries out, leading to record-setting wildfire seasons.

“We are seeing a significant number of days with wildfire smoke in the Chicago area,” Dr. Dahl said. According to Climate Central, smoke affects the region 45 to 50 days each year—that’s roughly one day a week when unhealthy wildfire smoke compromises air quality.

This smoke poses significant health risks. “Babies can be born with breathing issues because their mothers were exposed to intense wildfire smoke during their pregnancies,” Dr. Dahl explained.

Climate Central estimates that breathing wildfire smoke has contributed to between 5,000 and 10,000 deaths in Illinois over the last 15 years.

Experts recommend using a high-quality home air filter and limiting outdoor activities on smoky days to protect health.

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*Read more at [CBS News](https://www.cbsnews.com)*

*Topics: Culture/Society | News/Current Events | Politics/Elections | US: Illinois*

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*Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in this article are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect those of CBS News or its management.*
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