Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Climate Change: The earth is a beautifully complex system Here's an article about climate change and its possible effects on water supplies here in the West, from The Fort Collins Coloradoan. They write: A new national report says climate change -- and along with insect infestations and forest fires -- will likely alter the amount of water flowing downstream from mountain forests, particularly in the West. The report, by the National Research Council, features work from a Colorado State University professor, and aimed to examine already published research around how changing forests nationally may alter the amount and quality of water available downstream. "Climate change will likely affect the yield, timing, and quality of water flowing from forest landscapes," the report says. "Even with conservative estimates of climate change, water resources to meet current demands are not guaranteed under future climate scenarios." Climate change also may alter the frequency and magnitudes of forest fire, increasing the size and severity of wildfires. The report notes that many areas of the country have already seen changes in temperature, and that for them, spring peak runoff is happening three weeks earlier than previously. "cc" 6:27:53 AM

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