We've heard about the predicted effects of
global warming for some time now, but now
scientists have begun to focus their studies on
specific regions of the world.
A new study released Tuesday considers the
effects of climate change on Texas and the Gulf
Coast. It suggests we could face some difficult
problems in the not-so-distant future.
It's now widely accepted in the scientific
community that global climate change caused by
human activity is a reality.
The past decade has brought some of the
hottest weather ever in Texas. A new study
suggests that as our state grows, the problems
could grow worse.
Texas has a long history of drought and
flood, but a new comprehensive study shows that
a changing climate and growing population could
bring new hardship to Texas and the Gulf
Coast.
"We hope this report is a real wake-up call
to everybody in the Gulf Coast region that
climate change is real, and something that they
need to take seriously," report co-author Dr.
Denise Reed said.
The study warns that global warming could
raise Texas average temperatures as much as
seven degrees in the next century worsening
floods, drought, costal erosion and impacting
water supplies. A growing population will add to
the problems.
"Air quality is an excellent example of the
combined effects of an increase in temperature
and an increase in population," report co-author
Dr. Robert Twilley
Dr. Jay Banner heads UT's Environmental
Science Institute. He says the science behind
the report is solid.
"There's a wide range of outcomes predicted
by these different climate modeling scenarios,
depending on whose model you look at -- but
interestingly enough, what they all predict is
that warming will occur," Director of the UT
Environmental Science Institute Dr. Jay L.
Banner said.
The outlook is still hopeful.
Tuesday's report suggests that steps taken
now to protect land and water resources could
pay big dividends in the future. Leaders in
Texas need to act without delay.
If you'd like to see the report for yourself,
the
Union of Concerned Scientists Web
site.
