WEST LAFAYETTE, In. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- The earth's climate is expected to continue warming for years to come. Now, a new study suggests certain areas of the country may see more climate changes than others. Which areas will feel the most heat?
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Climate change is the warming of the earth's climate. Some see it as a big problem -- others disagree. Whatever the case, a new study shows by the end of the century, the climate in some southwestern states may see the most changes.
"Southern California, for no fault of its own, comes out as being the hottest hotspot in terms of the total climate change that we project," Noah Diffenbaugh, Ph.D., a climate scientist at Purdue University in West Lafayette, In., told Ivanhoe.
Unlike previous climate models that report on the changes globally, the new study is focused on giving specific information about any U.S. state.
"How much precipitation varies from one year to the next over multiple decades?" Dr. Diffenbaugh said. "We found that's the number one driver of the Southwest being the hottest hotspot."
Climate models simulated the U.S. climate year-by-year through 2100. One scenario shows rapid increases in human population and greenhouse gases, while another displays slower growth rates. Despite the different scenarios, hotspots appeared in both.
"One of the big surprises was how quickly we see these hotspot patterns emerge," Dr. Diffenbaugh said.
Although the study shows other parts of the country may experience fewer changes to their climate, no area of the country is immune to climate change.
These kinds of studies could help state government officials form their own greenhouse gas standards. Last year, more than one-quarter of U.S. governors entered into their own state emission agreements.
The American Geophysical Union and the American Meteorological Society contributed to the information contained in the TV portion of this report.
Dr. Noah S. Diffenbaugh
Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2051
(765) 494-0754
diffenbaugh@purdue.edu
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