While it’s true that poor people bear the brunt of the affects of climate change, we in the United States are increasingly feeling the affects. From increased wildfire potential in the West to coastal erosion and loss of wetlands in the Northeast, climate change has negative implications for all 50 U.S. states.
While some implications are region specific, below are a few that have potential throughout the country:
~ Increased climate-sensitive and water-borne diseases
~ Decreased air and water quality
~ Varying effects on agriculture and food supply
~ Increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events such as hurricanes and extreme heat and floods which could cause an increase in event-related deaths, injuries, infectious diseases, and stress-related disorders
~ Adverse effects on energy production, transmission and distribution
What does climate change mean for Minnesota?
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency:
Minnesota has warmed an average of about one degree F during the last 100 years. Parts of northern Minnesota have warmed five degrees F or more in winter. As the warming continues, northern cities like Hibbing may grow to look more like Albert Lea or even Des Moines. Precipitation has already increased 20 percent in the southern half of the state since 1900. This fits with the climate change scenario that predicts a generally wetter and more humid Minnesota climate. Minnesota may come to look more like Missouri. We may lose our northern coniferous forests through warmth-induced disease, fires and a massive die-back already underway in Canada and Alaska; and our cold-loving creatures like trout and moose will disappear. As a general rule of thumb, climate zones and vegetation zones shift northward about 60 miles for each one degree Celsius (1.8 degrees F) increase in temperature. Minnesota farmers will gain a longer growing season, and hay fever sufferers will sneeze a few more weeks each year.For more information:
Global Climate Change and Its Impact on MN
Health and environmental effects of climate change in different regions of the United States
Get involved at an upcoming meeting:
As part of Oxfam America's climate change campaign, we're advocating for meaningful action on climate change to reduce harm to the environment while helping those most in need. You're invited to our next monthly meeting: 7pm on Monday, August 17th at Common Roots Cafe (2558 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis). We'll review news, plan upcoming events, and develop our outreach strategy. Everyone is welcome to stop by to learn more or get involved.
