May 30

All of North America will likely warm during this century, with average temperature increases ranging from 3.6 to 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit, according to a federal government report released May 29.

The U.S. Climate Science Program, which involves numerous federal agencies under the direction of the White House, released the 271-page report in compliance with a court-mandated deadline. A federal appeals court had ordered the administration to release the global warming assessment by May 31. The federal government is required to release an updated global warming assessment every four years, but the last update was issued in 2000.

"After seven years of denial, disinformation, cover-up and delay, in its waning months, the Bush administration is finally beginning to allow the publication of reports that acknowledge this scientific reality," said Rick Piltz, of the Government Accountability Project, an advocacy group that supports government whistleblowers.

The new report also predicts coming changes in precipitation and drought conditions, with less frequent but more intense rains.

Droughts in the West will be exacerbated by earlier and possibly less spring snowmelt runoff, according to the report. Less snowmelt runoff likely will occur because warmer temperatures will reduce snow cover in mountainous regions, according to the report´s authors.

In addition, future sea level rise, possibly ranging from seven to 23 inches by the end of the century, will flood some areas of the United States.

Changing weather patterns likely will impact the marketable yield of agricultural crops, especially fruits and vegetables other than grains, according to the report. Higher summer temperatures also may reduce summer livestock production, although warmer winters could help offset the summer reductions.

Stream temperatures are likely to rise, affecting aquatic ecosystems and water quality.

And flooding could reduce the size of small islands, particularly in the Pacific, causing concern for Hawaii and other U.S. territories.

The report also warns of possible transportation disruptions if hotter temperatures cause railroad tracks to buckle and roads to soften and develop ruts. Heavy rain and landslides also could block roads, rails and ports, according to the study.

"This assessment represents a comprehensive look at the effects of climate change for the United States and will be yet another tool for the nation´s decision-makers to use when planning for the future," said Sharon Hays, associate director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

The Scientific Assessment of the Effects of Global Change on the United States is available online at www.climatescience.gov.

Contact Waste News senior reporter Bruce Geiselman at (330) 865-6172 or bgeiselman@crain.com

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