Science Source

Climate Change in the Midwest: A Synthesis Report for the National Climate Assessment

The report, prepared as a contribution to the Third National Climate Assessment, addresses the potential impacts of climate change on natural systems, human health, and several important economic sectors within the Midwest
Finds that annual mean temperature in the Midwest has warmed since approximately 1900, with annual precipitation generally increasing from the mid 1930s to present
Finds that increases in both the number of wet days and the frequency of heavy precipitation events contribute to the larger precipitation totals
Finds the region’s ecosystems are highly vulnerable to the direct impacts of climate change and to climate-related exacerbation of current stressors such as invasive species, pollution, and pests and pathogens
Finds that changes in the variability, timing and amount of growing season precipitation will have a substantial impact on future crop yields and the number of workable field days, and an increased likelihood of extreme heat events will impact Midwestern meat, milk, and egg production
Finds flooding along the region’s major rivers, including the Mississippi River, has serious consequences for riverine communities and on transportation
Finds that climate change leads to greater frequency of heat waves, decreased air quality, and greater risk of waterborne disease, especially given the aging municipal water systems in the region, are of concern