Effects of Global Warming

The effects of global warming are widespread and often disastrous. Floods, droughts, severe storms, increased precipitation, melting icecaps in arctic and mountain regions, rising sea levels and loss of coastline have all been linked to increased atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases. Climate change also exacerbates the spread of tropical diseases to temperate regions and forces migration of animal and plant species. In sum, global warming threatens a massive and irreversible transformation of the earth's natural environment.

Grave consequences for humans, including widespread famine, disease, and death from extreme weather conditions have already been documented. While the role of global warming as a contributory cause of any particular event is difficult to prove, this much is certain: global warming is real, and emissions of the greenhouse gasses that cause it are rapidly increasing. In addition, its predicted effects are occurring at an ever-increasing rate.

Effects in New England

In the last century, the average temperature in Lewiston, Maine, increased 3.4°F. In Providence, Rhode Island, the increase was 3.3°F; Storrs, Connecticut increased 2.4°F; Amherst, Massachusetts and Hanover, New Hampshire increased 2°F; and Burlington, Vermont, increased 0.4°F. If these numbers seem insignificant, consider this: the average global temperature during the last Ice Age was only nine degrees cooler than today's average temperature. Furthermore, the rate of global warming has quadrupled since the mid-1970s, from one to four degrees per century. Minimal changes in global temperature cause major impacts.

Most ecosystems can adapt to climate change of no more than one degree per century. If warming continues as projected, New England's climate will be completely transformed. By century's end Boston will resemble Charlotte, N.C. or even Atlanta, GA. The Fall foliage for which the region is famous will disappear as birch, maple, and spruce species migrate north or die out altogether. The economy will also suffer. Maple syrup production will be jeopardized, because sap flow depends on the current unique combination of freezing nights and warm days. The ski industry in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont will face a double-threat: loss of natural snowfall (which would come down as rain) and the inability to produce artificial snow (which requires temperatures of 28°F or less). Rising sea levels in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island already threaten coastal estuaries - breeding grounds essential to sustain the New England fishing industry.

Read about Global Climate Effects. | Read about Climate Effects By State.