1fs. Challenges, Mitigation, and AdaptationAlthough the IPCC
assessment reports are authoritative and comprehensive, they are not the
sole compendium on climate change. For example, a team of over 300
distinguished experts assembled the 2014 Third National Climate
Assessment (MCA) to summarize the impacts of climate change on the
United States (www.globalchange.gov). The report discussed much of what
had been released in the fifth IPCC report, but emphasized effects of
climate change in the United States, both in terms of geographical
regions and individual sectors, such as energy, transportation,
agriculture, ecosystems, and human health. It also discussed measures
that can be taken to mitigate climate change, and ways society can adapt
to a new climatic regime.TemperatureThe NCA reported that the global
increase in temperature has occurred in the United States, just as it
has over the most of the world. The group estimates that since 1895 U.S.
temperatures have increased by 0.7 to 1.1 °C (1.3 to 1.9 °F), with the
majority of the warming having occurred after 1970. As has been the case
worldwide, the most dramatic of the North American warming has occurred
in the higher latitudes—Alaska and the Canadian north. Specific
projections of future U.S. temperatures are subject to even greater
uncertainty than those of global values, but the range of temperature
increases varies from 1.7 to 2.8 °C (3 to 5 °F) under low emission
scenarios to as much as 2.8 to 5.6 °C (5 to 10°F) under high greenhouse
gas conditions by the end of the century.PrecipitationThe percentage of
annual precipitation that occurs from extremely heavy events (those in
the top 1 percent for each location) has increased in recent decades
over all of the United States, particularly in the extreme Northeast
(Figure 16-4-1). If this trend continues these regions will become
susceptible to increased urban and flash flooding. In the dry Southwest
no major change has been noted in the percentage of precipitation
occurring during extreme events, but there has been a high incidence of
extreme, extensive, and prolonged droughts. This has led to direct water
resource issues as the demand increases while supplies dwindle. There
is also the indirect effect in which drought leads to the drying of
vegetation and the susceptibility to devastating wildfires.Impacts on
Economic SectorsThe effects of climate change show up in virtually every
sector of modern society. The NCA elaborates on many of these issues in
depth, but here we provide just a brief overview of a few
impacts.EnergyWhile we often think about the consumption of energy as a
source of greenhouse gas emissions, climate changes impact the demand
for energy as well.As temperatures increase the amount of energy needed
for heating is expected to decrease, but the demand for indoor air
conditioning will increase. As the U.S. population continues to move to
places like Arizona and Texas, we can expect to see the demand for
energy to meet that need increase through time.AgricultureSome effects
of climate change on agriculture are fairly direct and obvious. A
decrease in the frequency of freezing temperatures might be beneficial
to Florida citrus growers, and some crops could benefit by the longer
growing season associated with warmer climates. But at the same time,
higher temperatures can lead to greater evaporation rates and an
increased demand for irrigation water, which might not always be met.
Indirect effects include the uncertain ways that weeds and pests might
thrive and impact crop production. It has also been shown that higher
nighttime temperatures during the pollinating season have led to lower
productivity and quality of many crops. With regard to precipitation,
the projected increases in the incidence of extremely heavy rainfall
events might reasonably be expected to accelerate soil
erosion.HealthBetween 1978 and 2007 extreme heat has killed nearly as
many people in the United States as tornadoes, hurricanes, and lightning
put together, which makes the projected increase in temperatures a
major direct threat to human health. People without access to air
conditioning—often those who are poor and elderly—face an enhanced risk
of becoming heat-related fatalities. But higher temperatures can also be
associated with increased air pollution, and many insects that spread
disease proliferate under hot, humid conditions.Mitigation and
AdaptationBeing aware of the threat of climate change gives us the
opportunity to undertake measures that might slow down the rate of
change (mitigation) and reduce its negative impacts
(adaptation).MitigationBy far the most important measure that can be
taken to slow the rate of anthropogenic climate change is to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. This can be promoted or even mandated by
governments, but such actions face resistance due to economic costs that
might be incurred. Some reductions can occur independent of mandates,
for example, by a switch from higher polluting sources to “cleaner”
fuels. This has happened to some extent through the increased use of
natural gas in the United States. Economic slowdowns can naturally
reduce emissions by reducing manufacturing and transportation
activities. It is important to realize that carbon dioxide has a long
residence time (Chapter 1) in the atmosphere, so even drastic cutbacks
would not lower its concentration in the at mosphere for decades. On the
other hand, other pollutants like methane and soot have much shorter
residence times. Cutting back their emissions could have more immediate
impacts on the rate of climate change.AdaptationThe first step in
adapting to a changing world is recognizing that such change is
happening. Once people accept the fact that climate change is
happening—even if many questions remain regarding its specific
manifestations—we can begin to take earlier actions rather than having
to react later in crisis mode. Given the many different ways that
climate changes will impact different regions, there is no single
adaptive strategy for universal use. Coastal regions vulnerable to
inundation need to plan for such occurrences, while some heartland areas
must prepare for more damaging heat waves and droughts. In much of the
West, an ongoing threat will be drought and wildfires. Regardless,
understanding of the problem and a willingness to tackle it are
prerequisites.FIGURE 16-4-1 Annual Precipitation Changes, 1958-2012.
Precipitation has increased over most of the continental United States
in the last half century, particularly over the Northeast....In what
ways did the National Climate Assessment augment the findings of the
IPCC? Get solution
2fs. Challenges, Mitigation, and AdaptationAlthough the IPCC assessment reports are authoritative and comprehensive, they are not the sole compendium on climate change. For example, a team of over 300 distinguished experts assembled the 2014 Third National Climate Assessment (MCA) to summarize the impacts of climate change on the United States (www.globalchange.gov). The report discussed much of what had been released in the fifth IPCC report, but emphasized effects of climate change in the United States, both in terms of geographical regions and individual sectors, such as energy, transportation, agriculture, ecosystems, and human health. It also discussed measures that can be taken to mitigate climate change, and ways society can adapt to a new climatic regime.TemperatureThe NCA reported that the global increase in temperature has occurred in the United States, just as it has over the most of the world. The group estimates that since 1895 U.S. temperatures have increased by 0.7 to 1.1 °C (1.3 to 1.9 °F), with the majority of the warming having occurred after 1970. As has been the case worldwide, the most dramatic of the North American warming has occurred in the higher latitudes—Alaska and the Canadian north. Specific projections of future U.S. temperatures are subject to even greater uncertainty than those of global values, but the range of temperature increases varies from 1.7 to 2.8 °C (3 to 5 °F) under low emission scenarios to as much as 2.8 to 5.6 °C (5 to 10°F) under high greenhouse gas conditions by the end of the century.PrecipitationThe percentage of annual precipitation that occurs from extremely heavy events (those in the top 1 percent for each location) has increased in recent decades over all of the United States, particularly in the extreme Northeast (Figure 16-4-1). If this trend continues these regions will become susceptible to increased urban and flash flooding. In the dry Southwest no major change has been noted in the percentage of precipitation occurring during extreme events, but there has been a high incidence of extreme, extensive, and prolonged droughts. This has led to direct water resource issues as the demand increases while supplies dwindle. There is also the indirect effect in which drought leads to the drying of vegetation and the susceptibility to devastating wildfires.Impacts on Economic SectorsThe effects of climate change show up in virtually every sector of modern society. The NCA elaborates on many of these issues in depth, but here we provide just a brief overview of a few impacts.EnergyWhile we often think about the consumption of energy as a source of greenhouse gas emissions, climate changes impact the demand for energy as well.As temperatures increase the amount of energy needed for heating is expected to decrease, but the demand for indoor air conditioning will increase. As the U.S. population continues to move to places like Arizona and Texas, we can expect to see the demand for energy to meet that need increase through time.AgricultureSome effects of climate change on agriculture are fairly direct and obvious. A decrease in the frequency of freezing temperatures might be beneficial to Florida citrus growers, and some crops could benefit by the longer growing season associated with warmer climates. But at the same time, higher temperatures can lead to greater evaporation rates and an increased demand for irrigation water, which might not always be met. Indirect effects include the uncertain ways that weeds and pests might thrive and impact crop production. It has also been shown that higher nighttime temperatures during the pollinating season have led to lower productivity and quality of many crops. With regard to precipitation, the projected increases in the incidence of extremely heavy rainfall events might reasonably be expected to accelerate soil erosion.HealthBetween 1978 and 2007 extreme heat has killed nearly as many people in the United States as tornadoes, hurricanes, and lightning put together, which makes the projected increase in temperatures a major direct threat to human health. People without access to air conditioning—often those who are poor and elderly—face an enhanced risk of becoming heat-related fatalities. But higher temperatures can also be associated with increased air pollution, and many insects that spread disease proliferate under hot, humid conditions.Mitigation and AdaptationBeing aware of the threat of climate change gives us the opportunity to undertake measures that might slow down the rate of change (mitigation) and reduce its negative impacts (adaptation).MitigationBy far the most important measure that can be taken to slow the rate of anthropogenic climate change is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This can be promoted or even mandated by governments, but such actions face resistance due to economic costs that might be incurred. Some reductions can occur independent of mandates, for example, by a switch from higher polluting sources to “cleaner” fuels. This has happened to some extent through the increased use of natural gas in the United States. Economic slowdowns can naturally reduce emissions by reducing manufacturing and transportation activities. It is important to realize that carbon dioxide has a long residence time (Chapter 1) in the atmosphere, so even drastic cutbacks would not lower its concentration in the at mosphere for decades. On the other hand, other pollutants like methane and soot have much shorter residence times. Cutting back their emissions could have more immediate impacts on the rate of climate change.AdaptationThe first step in adapting to a changing world is recognizing that such change is happening. Once people accept the fact that climate change is happening—even if many questions remain regarding its specific manifestations—we can begin to take earlier actions rather than having to react later in crisis mode. Given the many different ways that climate changes will impact different regions, there is no single adaptive strategy for universal use. Coastal regions vulnerable to inundation need to plan for such occurrences, while some heartland areas must prepare for more damaging heat waves and droughts. In much of the West, an ongoing threat will be drought and wildfires. Regardless, understanding of the problem and a willingness to tackle it are prerequisites.FIGURE 16-4-1 Annual Precipitation Changes, 1958-2012. Precipitation has increased over most of the continental United States in the last half century, particularly over the Northeast....Describe some of the impacts of climate change in the United States. Get solution
3fs. Challenges, Mitigation, and AdaptationAlthough the IPCC assessment reports are authoritative and comprehensive, they are not the sole compendium on climate change. For example, a team of over 300 distinguished experts assembled the 2014 Third National Climate Assessment (MCA) to summarize the impacts of climate change on the United States (www.globalchange.gov). The report discussed much of what had been released in the fifth IPCC report, but emphasized effects of climate change in the United States, both in terms of geographical regions and individual sectors, such as energy, transportation, agriculture, ecosystems, and human health. It also discussed measures that can be taken to mitigate climate change, and ways society can adapt to a new climatic regime.TemperatureThe NCA reported that the global increase in temperature has occurred in the United States, just as it has over the most of the world. The group estimates that since 1895 U.S. temperatures have increased by 0.7 to 1.1 °C (1.3 to 1.9 °F), with the majority of the warming having occurred after 1970. As has been the case worldwide, the most dramatic of the North American warming has occurred in the higher latitudes—Alaska and the Canadian north. Specific projections of future U.S. temperatures are subject to even greater uncertainty than those of global values, but the range of temperature increases varies from 1.7 to 2.8 °C (3 to 5 °F) under low emission scenarios to as much as 2.8 to 5.6 °C (5 to 10°F) under high greenhouse gas conditions by the end of the century.PrecipitationThe percentage of annual precipitation that occurs from extremely heavy events (those in the top 1 percent for each location) has increased in recent decades over all of the United States, particularly in the extreme Northeast (Figure 16-4-1). If this trend continues these regions will become susceptible to increased urban and flash flooding. In the dry Southwest no major change has been noted in the percentage of precipitation occurring during extreme events, but there has been a high incidence of extreme, extensive, and prolonged droughts. This has led to direct water resource issues as the demand increases while supplies dwindle. There is also the indirect effect in which drought leads to the drying of vegetation and the susceptibility to devastating wildfires.Impacts on Economic SectorsThe effects of climate change show up in virtually every sector of modern society. The NCA elaborates on many of these issues in depth, but here we provide just a brief overview of a few impacts.EnergyWhile we often think about the consumption of energy as a source of greenhouse gas emissions, climate changes impact the demand for energy as well.As temperatures increase the amount of energy needed for heating is expected to decrease, but the demand for indoor air conditioning will increase. As the U.S. population continues to move to places like Arizona and Texas, we can expect to see the demand for energy to meet that need increase through time.AgricultureSome effects of climate change on agriculture are fairly direct and obvious. A decrease in the frequency of freezing temperatures might be beneficial to Florida citrus growers, and some crops could benefit by the longer growing season associated with warmer climates. But at the same time, higher temperatures can lead to greater evaporation rates and an increased demand for irrigation water, which might not always be met. Indirect effects include the uncertain ways that weeds and pests might thrive and impact crop production. It has also been shown that higher nighttime temperatures during the pollinating season have led to lower productivity and quality of many crops. With regard to precipitation, the projected increases in the incidence of extremely heavy rainfall events might reasonably be expected to accelerate soil erosion.HealthBetween 1978 and 2007 extreme heat has killed nearly as many people in the United States as tornadoes, hurricanes, and lightning put together, which makes the projected increase in temperatures a major direct threat to human health. People without access to air conditioning—often those who are poor and elderly—face an enhanced risk of becoming heat-related fatalities. But higher temperatures can also be associated with increased air pollution, and many insects that spread disease proliferate under hot, humid conditions.Mitigation and AdaptationBeing aware of the threat of climate change gives us the opportunity to undertake measures that might slow down the rate of change (mitigation) and reduce its negative impacts (adaptation).MitigationBy far the most important measure that can be taken to slow the rate of anthropogenic climate change is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This can be promoted or even mandated by governments, but such actions face resistance due to economic costs that might be incurred. Some reductions can occur independent of mandates, for example, by a switch from higher polluting sources to “cleaner” fuels. This has happened to some extent through the increased use of natural gas in the United States. Economic slowdowns can naturally reduce emissions by reducing manufacturing and transportation activities. It is important to realize that carbon dioxide has a long residence time (Chapter 1) in the atmosphere, so even drastic cutbacks would not lower its concentration in the at mosphere for decades. On the other hand, other pollutants like methane and soot have much shorter residence times. Cutting back their emissions could have more immediate impacts on the rate of climate change.AdaptationThe first step in adapting to a changing world is recognizing that such change is happening. Once people accept the fact that climate change is happening—even if many questions remain regarding its specific manifestations—we can begin to take earlier actions rather than having to react later in crisis mode. Given the many different ways that climate changes will impact different regions, there is no single adaptive strategy for universal use. Coastal regions vulnerable to inundation need to plan for such occurrences, while some heartland areas must prepare for more damaging heat waves and droughts. In much of the West, an ongoing threat will be drought and wildfires. Regardless, understanding of the problem and a willingness to tackle it are prerequisites.FIGURE 16-4-1 Annual Precipitation Changes, 1958-2012. Precipitation has increased over most of the continental United States in the last half century, particularly over the Northeast....What are the different approaches involved in mitigation and adaptation to climate change? Get solution
2fs. Challenges, Mitigation, and AdaptationAlthough the IPCC assessment reports are authoritative and comprehensive, they are not the sole compendium on climate change. For example, a team of over 300 distinguished experts assembled the 2014 Third National Climate Assessment (MCA) to summarize the impacts of climate change on the United States (www.globalchange.gov). The report discussed much of what had been released in the fifth IPCC report, but emphasized effects of climate change in the United States, both in terms of geographical regions and individual sectors, such as energy, transportation, agriculture, ecosystems, and human health. It also discussed measures that can be taken to mitigate climate change, and ways society can adapt to a new climatic regime.TemperatureThe NCA reported that the global increase in temperature has occurred in the United States, just as it has over the most of the world. The group estimates that since 1895 U.S. temperatures have increased by 0.7 to 1.1 °C (1.3 to 1.9 °F), with the majority of the warming having occurred after 1970. As has been the case worldwide, the most dramatic of the North American warming has occurred in the higher latitudes—Alaska and the Canadian north. Specific projections of future U.S. temperatures are subject to even greater uncertainty than those of global values, but the range of temperature increases varies from 1.7 to 2.8 °C (3 to 5 °F) under low emission scenarios to as much as 2.8 to 5.6 °C (5 to 10°F) under high greenhouse gas conditions by the end of the century.PrecipitationThe percentage of annual precipitation that occurs from extremely heavy events (those in the top 1 percent for each location) has increased in recent decades over all of the United States, particularly in the extreme Northeast (Figure 16-4-1). If this trend continues these regions will become susceptible to increased urban and flash flooding. In the dry Southwest no major change has been noted in the percentage of precipitation occurring during extreme events, but there has been a high incidence of extreme, extensive, and prolonged droughts. This has led to direct water resource issues as the demand increases while supplies dwindle. There is also the indirect effect in which drought leads to the drying of vegetation and the susceptibility to devastating wildfires.Impacts on Economic SectorsThe effects of climate change show up in virtually every sector of modern society. The NCA elaborates on many of these issues in depth, but here we provide just a brief overview of a few impacts.EnergyWhile we often think about the consumption of energy as a source of greenhouse gas emissions, climate changes impact the demand for energy as well.As temperatures increase the amount of energy needed for heating is expected to decrease, but the demand for indoor air conditioning will increase. As the U.S. population continues to move to places like Arizona and Texas, we can expect to see the demand for energy to meet that need increase through time.AgricultureSome effects of climate change on agriculture are fairly direct and obvious. A decrease in the frequency of freezing temperatures might be beneficial to Florida citrus growers, and some crops could benefit by the longer growing season associated with warmer climates. But at the same time, higher temperatures can lead to greater evaporation rates and an increased demand for irrigation water, which might not always be met. Indirect effects include the uncertain ways that weeds and pests might thrive and impact crop production. It has also been shown that higher nighttime temperatures during the pollinating season have led to lower productivity and quality of many crops. With regard to precipitation, the projected increases in the incidence of extremely heavy rainfall events might reasonably be expected to accelerate soil erosion.HealthBetween 1978 and 2007 extreme heat has killed nearly as many people in the United States as tornadoes, hurricanes, and lightning put together, which makes the projected increase in temperatures a major direct threat to human health. People without access to air conditioning—often those who are poor and elderly—face an enhanced risk of becoming heat-related fatalities. But higher temperatures can also be associated with increased air pollution, and many insects that spread disease proliferate under hot, humid conditions.Mitigation and AdaptationBeing aware of the threat of climate change gives us the opportunity to undertake measures that might slow down the rate of change (mitigation) and reduce its negative impacts (adaptation).MitigationBy far the most important measure that can be taken to slow the rate of anthropogenic climate change is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This can be promoted or even mandated by governments, but such actions face resistance due to economic costs that might be incurred. Some reductions can occur independent of mandates, for example, by a switch from higher polluting sources to “cleaner” fuels. This has happened to some extent through the increased use of natural gas in the United States. Economic slowdowns can naturally reduce emissions by reducing manufacturing and transportation activities. It is important to realize that carbon dioxide has a long residence time (Chapter 1) in the atmosphere, so even drastic cutbacks would not lower its concentration in the at mosphere for decades. On the other hand, other pollutants like methane and soot have much shorter residence times. Cutting back their emissions could have more immediate impacts on the rate of climate change.AdaptationThe first step in adapting to a changing world is recognizing that such change is happening. Once people accept the fact that climate change is happening—even if many questions remain regarding its specific manifestations—we can begin to take earlier actions rather than having to react later in crisis mode. Given the many different ways that climate changes will impact different regions, there is no single adaptive strategy for universal use. Coastal regions vulnerable to inundation need to plan for such occurrences, while some heartland areas must prepare for more damaging heat waves and droughts. In much of the West, an ongoing threat will be drought and wildfires. Regardless, understanding of the problem and a willingness to tackle it are prerequisites.FIGURE 16-4-1 Annual Precipitation Changes, 1958-2012. Precipitation has increased over most of the continental United States in the last half century, particularly over the Northeast....Describe some of the impacts of climate change in the United States. Get solution
3fs. Challenges, Mitigation, and AdaptationAlthough the IPCC assessment reports are authoritative and comprehensive, they are not the sole compendium on climate change. For example, a team of over 300 distinguished experts assembled the 2014 Third National Climate Assessment (MCA) to summarize the impacts of climate change on the United States (www.globalchange.gov). The report discussed much of what had been released in the fifth IPCC report, but emphasized effects of climate change in the United States, both in terms of geographical regions and individual sectors, such as energy, transportation, agriculture, ecosystems, and human health. It also discussed measures that can be taken to mitigate climate change, and ways society can adapt to a new climatic regime.TemperatureThe NCA reported that the global increase in temperature has occurred in the United States, just as it has over the most of the world. The group estimates that since 1895 U.S. temperatures have increased by 0.7 to 1.1 °C (1.3 to 1.9 °F), with the majority of the warming having occurred after 1970. As has been the case worldwide, the most dramatic of the North American warming has occurred in the higher latitudes—Alaska and the Canadian north. Specific projections of future U.S. temperatures are subject to even greater uncertainty than those of global values, but the range of temperature increases varies from 1.7 to 2.8 °C (3 to 5 °F) under low emission scenarios to as much as 2.8 to 5.6 °C (5 to 10°F) under high greenhouse gas conditions by the end of the century.PrecipitationThe percentage of annual precipitation that occurs from extremely heavy events (those in the top 1 percent for each location) has increased in recent decades over all of the United States, particularly in the extreme Northeast (Figure 16-4-1). If this trend continues these regions will become susceptible to increased urban and flash flooding. In the dry Southwest no major change has been noted in the percentage of precipitation occurring during extreme events, but there has been a high incidence of extreme, extensive, and prolonged droughts. This has led to direct water resource issues as the demand increases while supplies dwindle. There is also the indirect effect in which drought leads to the drying of vegetation and the susceptibility to devastating wildfires.Impacts on Economic SectorsThe effects of climate change show up in virtually every sector of modern society. The NCA elaborates on many of these issues in depth, but here we provide just a brief overview of a few impacts.EnergyWhile we often think about the consumption of energy as a source of greenhouse gas emissions, climate changes impact the demand for energy as well.As temperatures increase the amount of energy needed for heating is expected to decrease, but the demand for indoor air conditioning will increase. As the U.S. population continues to move to places like Arizona and Texas, we can expect to see the demand for energy to meet that need increase through time.AgricultureSome effects of climate change on agriculture are fairly direct and obvious. A decrease in the frequency of freezing temperatures might be beneficial to Florida citrus growers, and some crops could benefit by the longer growing season associated with warmer climates. But at the same time, higher temperatures can lead to greater evaporation rates and an increased demand for irrigation water, which might not always be met. Indirect effects include the uncertain ways that weeds and pests might thrive and impact crop production. It has also been shown that higher nighttime temperatures during the pollinating season have led to lower productivity and quality of many crops. With regard to precipitation, the projected increases in the incidence of extremely heavy rainfall events might reasonably be expected to accelerate soil erosion.HealthBetween 1978 and 2007 extreme heat has killed nearly as many people in the United States as tornadoes, hurricanes, and lightning put together, which makes the projected increase in temperatures a major direct threat to human health. People without access to air conditioning—often those who are poor and elderly—face an enhanced risk of becoming heat-related fatalities. But higher temperatures can also be associated with increased air pollution, and many insects that spread disease proliferate under hot, humid conditions.Mitigation and AdaptationBeing aware of the threat of climate change gives us the opportunity to undertake measures that might slow down the rate of change (mitigation) and reduce its negative impacts (adaptation).MitigationBy far the most important measure that can be taken to slow the rate of anthropogenic climate change is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This can be promoted or even mandated by governments, but such actions face resistance due to economic costs that might be incurred. Some reductions can occur independent of mandates, for example, by a switch from higher polluting sources to “cleaner” fuels. This has happened to some extent through the increased use of natural gas in the United States. Economic slowdowns can naturally reduce emissions by reducing manufacturing and transportation activities. It is important to realize that carbon dioxide has a long residence time (Chapter 1) in the atmosphere, so even drastic cutbacks would not lower its concentration in the at mosphere for decades. On the other hand, other pollutants like methane and soot have much shorter residence times. Cutting back their emissions could have more immediate impacts on the rate of climate change.AdaptationThe first step in adapting to a changing world is recognizing that such change is happening. Once people accept the fact that climate change is happening—even if many questions remain regarding its specific manifestations—we can begin to take earlier actions rather than having to react later in crisis mode. Given the many different ways that climate changes will impact different regions, there is no single adaptive strategy for universal use. Coastal regions vulnerable to inundation need to plan for such occurrences, while some heartland areas must prepare for more damaging heat waves and droughts. In much of the West, an ongoing threat will be drought and wildfires. Regardless, understanding of the problem and a willingness to tackle it are prerequisites.FIGURE 16-4-1 Annual Precipitation Changes, 1958-2012. Precipitation has increased over most of the continental United States in the last half century, particularly over the Northeast....What are the different approaches involved in mitigation and adaptation to climate change? Get solution
