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Climate Risks in the Northeast

How are climate change and weather variability affecting Northeastern producers?

Farmers, foresters, and other land owners in the Northeast are already feeling the pressures of a changing climate and increasing weather variability. In recent years the Northeast has experienced large increases in the frequency and intensity of heavy rains, more so than any other part of the country. In 2016, while record rains fell in the southern part of this region (WV), many other parts of the Northeast experienced the worst drought in 50 years (NY, MA, CT, RI, NH). Unusually warm winters (2010, 2012, 2016, and 2017) are leading to early breaking of plant dormancy and increased freeze loses. 

In 2017, Northeast Climate Hub university partners led two new studies exploring species and production systems that might be particularly vulnerable to changing conditions. Learn how a changing climate is affecting regional crops and livestock.

How are climate change and weather variability affecting Northeastern producers?

What is USDA doing about it?

USDA established the USDA Climate Hubs. The USDA Northeast Climate Hub is headed in Durham, NH. This multi-agency effort (Forest Service, Agricultural Research Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Farm Services Agency) is led by <a href="/hubs/northeast/people/david-hollinger">David Hollinger</a>, Plant Physiologist with the Forest Service. The Hub delivers science-based knowledge and practical information to farmers and forest landowners that help them adapt to climate change and weather variability by coordinating with local and regional partners in Federal and state agencies, universities, NGO’s, private companies, and Tribes.

The USDA Northeast Climate Hub provides: 1.) technical support for land managers to prepare for and respond to drought, heat stress, floods, pests, diseases, and variability in growing seasons, 2.) regional assessments and forecasts for hazard and adaptation planning, and 3.) outreach and education for land managers on ways to adapt to climate-related risks and increase longterm working land sustainability and income.

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