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Paradise could be lost to climate change
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For years, I’ve been thinking about taking a vacation to Key West. After reading a summary of the just-released Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States report, I’m feeling a sense of urgency. I’d better get there before it goes under.
What could happen to southern Florida is among the grim projections contained in the comprehensive, 196-page report, prepared by 13 federal agencies and the White House. Sea level is expected to rise up to 3-4 feet before the end of this century, which could submerge the Florida Keys and parts of the Gulf Coast.
The report warns that we may not be able to stop all the effects of climate change, even if the country cuts its global warming emissions. The global average temperature rose about 1.5 degrees F since 1900. By 2100, it is projected to increase from 2 to 11.5 degrees F.
Among the report's dire forecasts:
- Sea level rise and stronger storms could inundate and ultimately flood coastal communities along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
- Much of Florida and southeast Texas could see more than 180 days in the 90s per year while other southeastern states could see more than 100 90-degree days per year.
- The climate of Illinois could resemble the climate of Texas.
- Deadly heat waves will become more frequent.
- Water supplies will be severely stressed.
- Spring and summer drought already has increased by 12-14 percent over the past 30 years. The frequency, intensity and duration of droughts are likely to increase.
- Increased temperatures and higher carbon dioxide levels will threaten farming activities with more drought, pest infestations and faster weed growth.
- Southwestern forests will be decimated with less water, more wildfires and more invasive pests. Under higher emissions scenarios, California's mountain forests could decline by 60-90%.
“This report is further proof of this administration’s commitment to putting science first,” said Carl Pope, Sierra Club Executive Director. “Right now, Congress has the opportunity to solve both today’s economic crisis and the looming environmental calamity we face by passing a strong, comprehensive clean energy and climate bill that is up to the task before us. We urge them to do this as soon as possible.”
View the report at: http://www.globalchange.gov/publications/reports/scientific-assessments/us-impacts/key-findings
Here is a related article on climate change:
http://www.examiner.com/x-12720-DC-Environmental-Policy-Examiner~y2009m6d10-Huge-cost-may-alter-cool-attitudes-toward-climate-change
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