LITTLE TIME LEFT TO THINK

Report on Warming Offers New Details; Estimates Specify Effects on Different Regions of U.S.
David A. Farenthold, June 17, 2009 (Washington Post)

"Man-made climate change could bring parching droughts to the Southwest and pounding rainstorms to Washington, put Vermont maple sugar farms out of business and Key West underwater over the next century, according to [Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States; A State of Knowledge Report]…

"The report, a compilation of work by government scientific agencies, provided the most detailed picture yet of the United States in 2100 -- if nothing is done to cut greenhouse gas emissions."

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"It found that a warmer world, with average U.S. temperatures increasing four to 11 degrees, would significantly alter natural ecosystems and urban life. More than before, scientists broke down those effects to the regional level…[The report was released] with the House of Representatives considering a bill that would cap heat-trapping emissions…

"…[The report began by saying climate change] is "unequivocal," and man-made greenhouse gases are primarily to blame…[and] found for the United States:"

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"…The heaviest rainstorms have already become 67 percent heavier since 1958 in the Northeast, as warmer weather evaporates more water vapor into the atmosphere to feed storm clouds. Around the Great Lakes, "lake effect" snowstorms could get heavier as ice recedes and exposes more open water.

"…The hottest days could get hotter across much of the country: Parts of the South that experience about 60 days a year with temperatures higher than 90 degrees could experience 150 such days by 2100. The same warming could make Washington's summers even more uncomfortable."

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"…Higher temperatures could mean longer growing seasons for some farmers but might also bring more pests or change weather patterns that some crops depend on. Scientists said a warmer New England would be less hospitable to maple sugar farms, apple orchards and cranberry bogs.

"…Sea levels might rise three feet this century, which could flood a large section of South Florida…"