## 4 Discussion
These risks include potential contamination of water sources, adverse effects on non-target organisms, and increased human health concerns, particularly for golf course workers who are regularly exposed to these environments [47; 48]. The environmental ramifications could be particularly severe in areas where golf courses are in proximity to residential zones or sensitive ecosystems, highlighting the need for rigorous mitigation strategies. Furthermore, as pest pressures rise, golf course managers may find it challenging to maintain turf quality without resorting to higher pesticide use, potentially leading to regulatory conflicts given the stringent pesticide reduction policies in Quebec. This could place golf course managers in a difficult position, balancing turf health with legal and environmental responsibilities. One of the significant strengths of this study is its innovative application of climate models to forecast future pesticide use in a specific regional and recreational context. The integration of advanced climate models (CanESM2 and CanESM5) with pesticide usage data provides a detailed picture of how climate change could affect pesticide needs over the coming decades under different climate scenarios [49; 43]. This offers an invaluable resource for stakeholders planning for the future of golf course management in Quebec. However, there are limitations as well. The predictions are based on current pesticide formulations and application rates, which may evolve as new pesticide technologies are developed. Additionally, the models assume that future pest dynamics will respond to temperature and precipitation changes in ways that mirror historical trends, which may not account for emerging pests or other unforeseen ecological shifts [50]. Given these limitations, future studies should include more dynamic models that account for potential changes in pest behavior and pesticide technology to improve the accuracy of these projections. To address these rising challenges, policymakers and golf course managers should use this information to develop adaptive strategies that balance pest control needs with environmental and health considerations [51; 52]. Adopting more sustainable and innovative approaches, such as investing in less toxic pesticides and enhancing integrated pest management systems, is essential. This may include enhancing monitoring systems to detect pest outbreaks early and employing alternative pest control methods. For instance, integrated pest management strategies focusing on biological control methods could mitigate the rising pesticide usage [53] projected in this study, helping golf courses meet regulatory requirements while also protecting local ecosystems. Additionally, policy adjustments may be necessary to accommodate the changing dynamics of pesticide use [54], ensuring regulations remain effective in protecting environmental and public health [55] while allowing golf courses to adapt to the changing climate. More adaptable, climate-sensitive regulatory frameworks could assist in balancing the need for increased pesticide use with the overarching goal of environmental preservation [56]. Future studies should aim to refine these projections by incorporating potential advancements in pesticide technology and alternative pest management strategies, such as integrated pest management [57]. Moreover, research into the specific impacts of climate change on different pest species prevalent in Quebec's golf courses would be beneficial. Targeting specific pests that are most likely to be affected by climate change would allow for more precise pesticide application, reducing both environmental impacts and costs. Additionally, future studies should assess the implications of newer pesticide generations, which may have lower application rates, and evaluate the potential risks to both human health and the environment resulting from these anticipated changes in pesticide use on golf courses.