Blogs / Reality Base

Not that we needed more incentive to stop global warming, but it looks like it’s on its way towards putting a big dent in our economy. A new set of reports from the University of Maryland’s Center for Integrative Environmental Research has found that climate change will mean heavy monetary costs for individual states, often in the billions of dollars. Even more good news: In some regions, these costs have already begun to accrue. The studies are being released today at the legislative summit of the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) in New Orleans.

Here are a few of the highlights:

— Colorado: More than $1 billion in losses due to impacts on tourism, forestry, water resources and human health from a predicted drier, warmer climate.

— Illinois: Billions of dollars in losses from impact on shipping, trade and water resources. Warmer temperatures and lower water levels predicted for much of the state.

— Michigan: Billions of dollars in losses from damage to the state’s shipping and water resources. Warmer temperatures and lower water levels predicted for much of the state.

— Nevada: Billions of dollars in losses from a much drier climate and pressure on scarce water resources. Water limitations could affect tourism, real estate, development and human health. Many western states may confront similar challenges.

– New Jersey: Billions of dollars in losses from higher sea levels and the impact on tourism, transportation, real estate and human health.

– Ohio: Billions of dollars in losses from warmer temperatures and lower water levels and the resulting impact on shipping and water supplies.

A complete set of the reports are available here.

Image: iStockPhoto

July 23rd, 2008 by Melissa Lafsky in Climate Change | 3 comments | RSS feed | Trackback >