Study Details Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture
U.S. Newswire
10 Feb 10:00
Study Details Effects of Climate Change on U.S. Agriculture
To: National Desk, Environment Writer
Contact: Shannon Hunt or Kelly Sullivan, 202-289-5900,
both for the Pew Center on Global Climate Change,
Web site: www.pewclimate.org
WASHINGTON, Feb. 10 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Climate change has
the potential to affect livestock and crops, local agricultural
economies and crop production trends according to a new report
by the Pew Center on Global Climate Change, which examines the
effects of climate change on agriculture.
The report finds that while climate change is not expected to
threaten the ability of the United States to produce enough
food to feed itself through the next century, some U.S. agricultural
regions, particularly in the north, are expected to benefit,
while others, primarily in the south, could face adverse impacts.
The report, released today at a press conference on Capitol Hill,
notes that the resiliency and adaptability of the U.S. agricultural
sector has made it one of the country's most productive industries
and gives the sector the ability to adapt to the changes associated
with climate change. However, the report also finds that there
remains a potential for negative effects, and particular regions,
especially those in the south, will face greater obstacles in
adapting to the challenges posed by climate change.
"Anyone with a stake in agriculture should be interested in the
findings of this report, which shows that the farming industry we
know today will not be the same in the future under the effects of
climate change," said Eileen Claussen, Pew Center executive director.
At today' press conference, Agriculture Committee Chairman
Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) and Sen. Bob Kerrey (D-Neb.) both issued
statements supporting the Pew Center's efforts to inform American
agricultural producers about the potential impacts of climate change.
According to the report, climate change could cause grain yields
to fall significantly in southern states, while in the north, longer
growing seasons could increase yields of grains such as wheat.
Changes in grain production and foraging regions could also cause
shifts in the locations of livestock production. Uncertainty in the
models does not allow precision in identifying localized effects.
The study finds that in order to develop the most accurate and
credible assessment of the possible impacts of climate change, it is
important to consider adaptation and human response, as well as to
continue to develop improved climate change forecasts. But, given
the potential impacts, farmers and the agricultural community must
consider new strategies in the face of uncertainty.
The report states that the emerging consensus from modeling
studies is that the net effects on U.S. agriculture, with a doubling
of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, may be small. But, these models
may understate long-range impacts if the rate or magnitude of
greenhouse gas emissions exceed projected levels. For example,
extreme events -- such as storms, droughts and early and late frosts
caused by climate change -- also could play a role in determining the
ultimate impact of climate change on agriculture.
Additionally, secondary impacts of climate change, such as the
potential for higher ozone levels, impacts on water resources and
pest populations, contribute to the uncertainty and pose additional
challenges not only to individual producers, but also larger
agricultural economies.
The value of U.S. agricultural commodities exceeds $165 billion at
the farm level and over $500 billion after processing and marketing.
"The role of the U.S. agricultural sector is too important for us
to ignore these findings," said Claussen. "The agricultural
community can adapt to climate change, but adaptation takes time and
resources, and with uncertainties related to the timing and magnitude
of temperature changes, not all opportunities for adaptation are
likely to be realized."
This report is the first in a series of environmental impact
reports slated to be released by the Pew Center this year. Other
reports in this series will assess what is known about the impact of
climate change on weather and includes analyses of its impact on
water resources, coastal areas, human health, ecosystems, and
forests.
A copy of the report, "A Review of Impacts to U.S. Agricultural
Resources," is available on the Pew Center Web site at
www.pewclimate.org.
------
The Pew Center was established in May 1998 by the Pew Charitable
Trusts, one of the nation's largest philanthropies and an influential
voice in efforts to improve the quality of America's environment. The
Pew Center is conducting studies, launching public education efforts,
promoting climate change solutions globally and working with
businesses to develop marketplace solutions to reduce greenhouse
gases. The Pew Center is led by Eileen Claussen, the former U.S.
Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International
Environmental and Scientific Affairs.
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U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770
02/10 10:00
Copyright 1999, U.S. Newswire
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