Impact of Climate Change

U.S. Sea Levels Expected to Rise by 1 to 6.6 Feet by 2100

Since reliable records began in 1880, global sea levels have risen by approximately 8 inches (0.2 meters). Scientists predict that by 2100, sea levels will rise by at least another foot (0.3 meters), with the potential to increase by as much as 6.6 feet (2 meters) in a high-emissions scenario. This rise is primarily driven by the melting of land ice and the expansion of seawater as it warms.

Climate Change Will Persist Throughout This Century and Beyond

Global temperatures are expected to keep rising throughout this century and beyond, driven by human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. Even with efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the effects of climate change, including more frequent and intense heatwaves, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events, are likely to intensify. This ongoing warming will have lasting impacts on ecosystems, weather patterns, and human societies, with long-term consequences for future generations.

Hurricanes Will Grow Stronger and More Intense

As the climate warms, scientists predict that hurricanes will become more powerful, with increased storm intensity and higher rainfall rates. Rising sea surface temperatures provide more energy for storms, making them more likely to intensify rapidly. In addition to stronger winds, hurricanes will bring heavier rainfall, leading to more widespread flooding and storm surges that can devastate coastal communities. These changes are expected to lead to more frequent and severe hurricanes, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. The increased intensity of these storms poses significant risks to infrastructure, economies, and human lives.

Longer Wildfire Seasons

Rising temperatures and prolonged droughts in the West have significantly extended and intensified wildfire seasons. Human-induced climate change has already doubled the amount of forested land burned in recent decades. By 2050, the area affected by wildfires in Western states is expected to increase by two to six times, further exacerbating the threat to communities, ecosystems, and air quality. Even regions that are typically more humid, like the Southeast, are seeing an uptick in wildfire activity, with projections indicating a 30% increase in fire occurrences. These longer and more frequent fire seasons pose increasing risks to both the environment and public safety, making wildfire prevention and mitigation more urgent than ever.

Global Temperatures Will Continue to Rise

The summer of 2023 marked Earth's hottest summer on record, surpassing previous highs by 0.41 degrees Fahrenheit (0.23 degrees Celsius). It was 2.1 degrees F (1.2 degrees C) warmer than the average summer temperatures between 1951 and 1980, highlighting the accelerating pace of global warming. This rising trend is driven by the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, primarily from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. If these trends continue, global temperatures are expected to rise further, leading to more extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and significant impacts on ecosystems, agriculture, and human health. Efforts to curb emissions and transition to renewable energy sources are essential to mitigate the worst effects of this warming.

Frost-Free Season (and Growing Season) Will Lengthen

Since the 1980s, the frost-free season—along with the corresponding growing season—has been steadily lengthening, particularly in the western United States. As temperatures rise due to climate change, regions that previously experienced shorter growing seasons are seeing longer periods without frost, allowing plants to grow for extended periods. This trend is projected to continue across the United States, impacting ecosystems and agriculture. While longer growing seasons could benefit some crops, they also increase the risk of heat stress, water scarcity, and the spread of pests and diseases. Additionally, shifting growing seasons can disrupt ecosystems, affecting plant and animal species that depend on specific seasonal cues.