Over the past month Hawaii, Rhode Island, and Vermont have all either established climate adaptation laws or created long-term plans to tackle the increasing impacts of climate change.
These new initiatives mirror ambitious climate action efforts announced by Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and remind skeptics once again climate resiliency isn’t just an environmental issue, it’s also an economic imperative.
Vermont led the most recent charge by releasing the Vermont Climate Assessment (VCA) in early June. The report, compiled by multiple climate scientists and researchers, claims to be America’s first state-level climate assessment. “We are small, but we’re trying to be a role model for the other states,” said Gillian Galford, VCA lead author.
By compiling local data from 175 scientific studies and multiple observational authorities like the National Weather Service, the VCA aims to help governments and businesses prepare for the impacts and opportunities of climate change while estimating potential costs of failing to act.
Unfortunately, the VCA outlines a radically different climate future for Vermont. Average annual temperatures in the state have increased 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit since 1960, with 45% of this increase coming since 1990 and temperatures forecast to rise up to an additional 3.6 degrees F by 2050. Precipitation has also increased, with 5.9 inches of average additional precipitation since 1960, primarily coming as rain instead of snow.
This sober accounting of climate change impacts portends a mixed bag for the state’s economy. Winter tourism and sports are expected to taper off within 40 years while net energy demand and extreme weather occurrences are expected to increase as forests become more susceptible to invasive species. However, these losses may be somewhat offset by extended growing seasons for agriculture and more demand for renewable energy.
Hawaii, Rhode Island, Vermont Take Serious Climate Adaptation Action
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