California is no stranger to wildfires, which experts say are already increasing due to global warming (Photo: Flickr / Cnynfreelancer)

Climate change is already visibly impacting life in the United States through extreme weather, drought, wildfires and other threats, a significant and authoritative new study found recently. The report, Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States, evaluates both current and anticipated climate change impacts, and emphasizes that our actions today will determine the severity of future effects.

Produced by experts from 13 U.S. government science agencies and from several major universities and research institutions, the report uses new data not available during the preparation of earlier assessments including the last report released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The report compiles years of scientific research, and breaks down the regional impacts of climate change in unprecedented detail.

Just a few of the main findings include:

• Insect infestations and wildfires are already increasing
• Heat waves will become more frequent and intense, increasing threats to human health
• Increased heavy downpours will lead to more flooding, waterborne diseases, and will disrupt agriculture water, transportation, and energy systems
• Rising water temperatures and ocean acidification will continue to threaten coral reefs and the rich ecosystems they support
• Local sea-level rise will present a threat to homes and coastal infrastructure

The report also confirms previous evidence that global temperature increases in recent decades have been primarily human-induced, and while it does not promote any particular policy, it does provide information that may be useful in developing mitigation and adaptation strategies.

• Read the report: Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States
• Related: “IPCC Releases Climate Change 2007, Calls Global Warming ‘Unequivocal’” (e-Newswire, 2/7/07)