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Environment Ohio brings climate change close to home. Its report reinforces that polar bears aren't alone
Published on Tuesday, Dec 30, 2008
Too often, the discussion about climate change seems removed and abstract, about developments toward the end of the century or in faraway places such as the Arctic. Environment Ohio brings into sharper focus the potential impact in this state — with the worthy goal of heightening awareness and pushing Ohioans to act. No question, the state alone reducing greenhouse emissions would make little difference. Yet as a leading generator, Ohio could have considerable influence in pressing for a strategy.
What is at stake for the state?
Ohio lawmakers rightly touted their recent passage of the Great Lakes Compact as sound stewardship of a most valuable resource. They had in mind preventing thirsty states from tapping into the largest source of freshwater in the world. The Arizonas and New Mexicos pose one threat. The Environment Ohio report identifies the danger in global warming, the water level of Lake Erie possibly declining by 3 feet to 6.5 feet during the next 70 years. A decline of 4 feet would lower most of Sandusky Bay to less than 3 feet of water, inviting water plants to become an overwhelming and harmful presence.
The report notes that commercial ships must leave behind 270 tons of cargo for every inch the level of Lake Erie drops, and then adds that a 2 percent decline in shipping activity could cost the economy more than $1 billion. A warmer Lake Erie puts at risk the habitat for coldwater fish, such as northern pike, walleye and whitefish.
The potential harm to the economy and recreation extends to forests. Ohio could find the sugar maple, black cherry, white ash, even the buckeye tree, more vulnerable, their ranks retreating north. Birds would face altered migratory patterns. The agricultural industry (still employing one-seventh of Ohioans) would encounter a changing planting season. The delicate balance of biodiversity would be disrupted, an invasive species, say, wreaking havoc before the system as a whole could adjust.
All told, Environment Ohio argues climate change could threaten 1.9 million jobs that contribute $126 billion to the state economy.
Skeptics contend such estimates are little more than alarmist. They do so by pushing aside the powerful scientific consensus about global warming, human activity contributing decisively to the heating of the planet, the temperature in Akron in recent years two degrees above the 30-year average. Clearly, national and global action is required to combat climate change, the United States leading the way, China making its necessary contribution. What Environment Ohio has made plain is the role that Ohio leaders must play, pushing and preparing aggressively for action, emphasizing the cost if steps are not taken.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Posted 04:15 PM, 12/30/2008
Don't buy into the global warming religion.
http://cei.org/gencon/019,05845.cfm
Posted 09:32 PM, 12/30/2008
This scientific backing for this hoax is beginning to crumble, but apparently the ABJ has too much invested in it to change course as facts are beginning to dictate that this emperor has no clothes. I doubt that this hysteria (and probably the ABJ) will last more than a few more years.
