Key Points:
- Sea level along coastlines in the Northeast has risen approximately one foot since 1900—a rate that exceeds the global average. Due to local land subsidence in the region, the rate of sea level rise over the next century is expected to continue exceeding global levels.
- The Northeast has seen a greater increase in extreme precipitation than any other region in the United States: the amount of precipitation falling in very heavy events between 1958 and 2010 increased by more than 70 percent. The frequency of heavy downpours is projected to continue increasing as the century progresses.
- The frequency, intensity, and duration of heat waves in the region is expected to increase through the next century, while the frequency, intensity, and duration of cold air outbreaks is expected to decrease.
- Climate change impacts in the Northeast—including coastal and riverine flooding and heat waves—will challenge its environmental, social, and economic systems, increasing the vulnerability of its residents, especially its most disadvantaged populations.
- Public and private infrastructure in the Northeast—buildings, roads, rail lines, airport facilities, and ports—will be increasingly compromised by climate-related hazards over the next century, as will agriculture, fisheries, and ecosystems.
Choose ONE of the above 5 categories of impact, and discuss potential specific impacts that you would expect to see in your local community. Identify and describe how we might plan for the impact you chose to discuss.
Assignment guidelines: .
- Write about 600-750 words. Although you won’t be penalized for writing more, try to be concise!
- Use paragraphs to organize your response with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
- Maintain a professional, academic tone.
- If you use any additional references, you should cite them as appropriate within your response and at the end of your essay using APA format.