An anti-hysteria hysteric's reading of the IPCC WGII Fourth Assessment Report
Putting on my wingnut-colored glasses, I see...
North America
Moderate climate change in the early decades of the century is projected to increase aggregate yields of rainfed agriculture by 5-20%,but with important variability among regions. Majorchallenges are projected forcropsthat are near the warm end of their suitable range ordepend onhighly utilisedwater resources.
Warming in western mountains is projected to causedecreased snowpack, more winterflooding, andreducedsummerflows, exacerbating competition for over-allocatedwater resources.Disturbances from pests, diseases, and fire are projected to have increasing impacts on forests, with an extended period of high fire risk and large increases in area burned.[Added: we need to thin]Cities that currently experience heat waves are expected to be further challenged by an increased number, intensity and duration of heat waves during the course of the century, with potential for adverse health impacts. The growing number of the elderly population is most at risk.[Added: buy an air conditioner]
Coastal communities and habitats will beincreasingly stressed by climate change impactsinteracting withdevelopment and pollution. Population growth and therising valueof infrastructure in coastal areas increase vulnerability to climate variability and future climate change, with losses projected to increase if the intensity of tropical storms increases.Current adaptation isuneven and readiness forincreasedexposure is low.
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