Temperature
Since 1901, temperatures have risen in many parts of the world. Since 1970, the pace of this trend has accelerated. Increases in average global temperatures are expected to be within the range of 0.5°F to 8.6°F by 2100, with a likely increase of at least 2.7°F for all scenarios except the one representing the most aggressive mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions according to IPCC (2013). High and low temperatures are also predicted to increase, which may have negative consequences for agricultural production and forest heath. Increasing high temperatures can hurt both crop pollination and fruit development. While crop growth can continue at high daily maximum temperatures, fruit production and pollination are more sensitive. The end result may be lower yields of marketable crops, and reduced income for farmers.
Warmer temperatures around the globe lead to stronger storms and heat waves, and more of them. Though there will likely be more average rainfall world-wide, some areas can expect to see a greater increase than others. Higher temperatures in some regions areas will intensify drought. This may increase the need for irrigation and other adaptive practices on farms.
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Warmer Isn’t Always Better: How Rising Temperatures Impact Crop Production
While warmer temperatures often promote growth, most crops in the Northeast are already being grown close to their…
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Specialty Crops and Climate Change in the Midwest
Climate change is impacting specialty crops in the Midwest is unique ways. Explore resources and learn more.
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Assessing the Impacts of Climate Change on Midwest Agriculture
Explore the extent of climate change in your state, hear how these changes are affecting agriculture, and learn about…
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Urban Heat Islands in the Northwest
Urban areas are heating up faster than rural areas, affecting public health and increasing energy demands in the…
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Vulnerability Assessments of U.S. Agriculture and Forests (2018)
Two special issues in the journal Climatic Change feature vulnerability assessments of agriculture and forestry across…
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Climate Change Impacts in the Northwest
A summary of current and expected impacts due to climate change in the Northwest.
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2021 Northwest Heat Dome: Causes, Impacts and Future Outlook
The 2021 heat dome caused record-breaking temperatures in the Northwest. Climate change increases the likelihood of…
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Going to Extremes at HBEF
Take a closer look at how scientists use forest experiments to study forest response to extreme weather events, such as…
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Keeping California Forests and Woodlands Healthy
The Healthy Forests briefs series, authored by the Science Advisory Panel of the California Governor’s Forest…