AN ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE UNITED STATES

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AN ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE
UNITED STATES

• A report of the U.S. Climate Change Science
  Program, a joint effort of more than a dozen
  government agencies
• The full report is online at www.usgcrp.gov
• June 20, 2008

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BASED ON A CONTINENTAL ASSESSMENT OF CLIMATE
CHANGE
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HIGHLIGHTS OF REPORT

• "Heat waves and heavy downpours are very likely
  to increase in frequency and intensity.

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HIGHLIGHTS OF REPORT

• "Substantial areas of North America are likely
  to have more frequent droughts of greater
  severity.

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HIGHLIGHTS OF REPORT

• Hurricane wind speeds, rainfall intensity, and
  storm surge levels are likely to increase.

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HIGHLIGHTS OF REPORT

• The strongest cold season storms are likely to
  become more frequent, with stronger winds and
  more extreme wave heights."

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PROJECTED CHANGE IN FREQUENCY

• By the end of this century rainfall amounts
  expected to occur every 20 years now could be
  taking place every five years.
• Such an increase "can lead to the type of events
  that we are seeing at present in the Midwest.
• y the end of this century rainfall
  amounts expected to occur every 20 years could be
  taking place every five years.
• Such an increase "can lead to the type of events
  that we are seeing in the Midwest," said Karl,
  though he did not directly link the current
  flooding to climate change.

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ADDITIONAL IMPLICATIONS

• Soil amplification of earthquake ground shaking
  is likely to be more pervasive.

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ADDITIONAL IMPLICATIONS

• Landslides triggered in earthquakes are likely
  to be more extensive.

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ADDITIONAL IMPLICATIONS

• The effects of tsunami wave run up will be more
  extensive.

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MIDWEST USA FLOODS A NATURAL HAZARD?
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MIDWEST USA FLOODS A RESULT OF GREENHOUSE GASES
AND MAN'S AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES?
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IOWA'S ALTERED LAND IS NOW MORE VULNERABLE TO
FLOODING
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MAN'S ACTIVITIES HAVE ALTERED IOWA'S LANDSCAPE

• The heavy rains fell on a landscape that has
  been radically reengineered by humans for 50
  years.
• Plowed fields have replaced tall grass prairies.

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MAN'S ACTIVITIES HAVE ALTERED IOWA'S LANDSCAPE

• Former fields have been meticulously drained with
  underground pipes.
• Streams and creeks have been straightened.

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MAN'S ACTIVITIES HAVE ALTERED IOWA'S LANDSCAPE

• Most of the former wetlands are gone.
• Floodplains have been filled and developed.

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LONG-TERM IMPLICATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES

• All aspects of comprehensive emergency
  management will be more difficult and more
  costly to implement.
• Cost of sustainable infra-stricture will
  increase.