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The impacts of climate change are ever more evident, globally and locally. In New Hampshire, temperatures are on the rise, particularly in winter. The number of days with temps less than 32 degrees F has decreased, and our coldest of winter nights are warming. Lake ice-out days are occurring earlier. Additionally, the frequency of extreme precipitation events are increasing.
“Climate Change in New Hampshire: Past, Present, and Future” – two studies published by UNH – report that average annual temperatures in the Granite State will “likely rise by 3 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit and extreme precipitation events will likely double by mid-century.
“The reports can be downloaded here:
[box type=”info” style=”rounded”]Note: The SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE study includes data for Mount Sunapee.[/box]
Because climate change is already affecting southern New Hampshire, and some additional warming is inevitable, it is essential to prepare to adapt to the changes that cannot be avoided. However, immediate and committed action to reduce emissions is the most effective means to keep future climate changes at those projected under the lower emissions scenario. The more we can reduce our fossil fuel emissions, the more ecosystems, human communities, and economic sectors will be able to adapt to those coming changes we cannot avoid. – Climate Change in Southern New Hampshire, Past, Present and Future – A publication of the Sustainability Institute at the University of New Hampshire