State report predicts longer growing seasons

Examines climate changes and the potential impact to state’s economy HARRISBURG — A shift in the ability of crops to thrive, increased building cooling costs and lower heating costs are among the possible impacts of climate change identified in the Pennsylvania Climate Impact Assessment, a report released earlier this month by the Department of Environmental Protection. “Climate change is long-term variations to daily weather patterns,” said DEP Secretary John Hanger. “Those variations can have positive and negative effects on various sectors of everyday life. This report presents an assessment of how climate change could potentially affect such things as human health, wildlife, recreation, agriculture, tourism and the economy in Pennsylvania for the rest of the 21st century.” The report required by Act 70 of 2008 and compiled for DEP by Penn State University’s Environment and Natural Resources Institute, is based on readily available data, scientific literature and quantitative analyses. Hanger said the report states temperatures and precipitation are likely to increase in the decades to come. Those conditions could lead to longer growing seasons, which could increase the yield of crops like corn and soy beans. But those same conditions could also lead to a decrease in the yield of cool-temperature adapted fruits and vegetables like apples and potatoes. “This report is not a conclusion, but rather a beginning,” said Hanger. “It describes the scientific climate change models used to predict future climate scenarios and what associated changes in the environment and various economic sectors we may expect from climate change. It is a resource intended to inform and educate decision makers on climate change impacts, which in turn will help shape mitigation strategies.” Act 70 established the Climate Change Advisory Committee which is developing a climate change action plan that will include an inventory and forecast of greenhouse gas emissions in Pennsylvania and develop a series of strategies to reduce those emissions. To view the assessment report or for additional information, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Climate Change.