Climate Change and Implications

Climate has changed in the past and will continue to change in the future. Climate change is a part of Earth's history. The issue is whether or not humans are significantly altering the natural progression of climate change, and if so, will these changes be detrimental to life on Earth, including human life. The figure below shows measured changes in temperature and precipitation over the United States from 1900-1996. The label "Present" is about 8 years old.

• Climate has changed during the past century. This list is based on observations of the changes that have occurred.
• Global mean temperature has increased by about 1°F
• Global sea level has risen 4-10 inches
• Global precipitation has increased 1%
• Climate is expected to continue to change in the future. The following list is based on projected changes due to addition of greenhouse gases.
• Projected temperature increases of (1.8-6.3°F) by 2010.
• Projected sea level rise of 20 inches by 2100 (range: 6-38 inches)
• Likely increase in precipitation intensity. More heavy rain events and more severe droughts.

Climate Change Impacts

• Human health, natural ecological systems, and socioeconomic systems are all sensitive to both the magnitude and the rate of climate change
• Many physical and ecological systems will be simultaneously affected
• The ability of natural ecological systems to migrate appears to be much slower than the predicted rate of climate change
• Climate change can add to existing environmental stresses

Health Impacts	Water Resources Impacts	Forest Impacts
Coastal Areas	Species and Natural Areas	Agriculture Impacts