Climate Change Already Affecting Shoreline in Connecticut River Valley Region

REGIONAL - Warmer temperatures and less snow seem to be a trend along shoreline Connecticut.

The Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford reported that for December through February, temperatures were 3.1 degrees above average and snowfall was 2 inches below average.

About 70 miles away in north central Connecticut, Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks reported that for the same time period, temperatures were about 1.6 degrees warmer than average and snowfall was about 5.8 inches above average.

The protection of the Long Island Sound is attributed to the differences between the two and climate changes could very well lead to more significant warming along the shoreline.

The Union of Concerned Scientists and fifty independent scientists have worked together and issued a report entitled "Climate Change in the U.S. Northeast" which indicates that above average temperatures and below average snowfalls seen along the shoreline will continue.

The report states that southern New England, by the end of this century, could see the length of the winter snow season to be reduced only to a week or two while northern New England could see their winter snow season reduced by half.

Winter temperatures have risen at a rate of 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit per decade since 1970 and less winter precipitation has fallen as snow and more has fallen as rain, scientists in the report stated.

Other winter weather changes include a reduced snowpack, increased snow density, an earlier breakup of winter ice on lakes and rivers, and earlier spring snowmelt leading to earlier peak river flows.

This is expected to continue to lead to rising sea-surface temperatures and sea levels which further increase the vulnerability for those living along the immediate shoreline.

A rise in one to two feet of sea level could cause damage properties that are at or near sea level including Hammonassett State Park in Madison, Saybrook Point in Old Saybrook, and Pilot's Point in Westbrook.

If you are waiting for the weather to get hot so you can enjoy the many beautiful beaches dotting the shoreline, you are in luck.

The report states that summer weather could be much longer than it currently and believe that summer gradually expand to begin three weeks early and end three weeks late.

The number of average days with temperatures above 90 degrees is increasing and this trend expected to continue to increase.

Scientists in the report expect that over the next several decades, summer temperatures will rise between 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit and 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit while winter temperatures are expected to rise between 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit and 4 degrees Fahrenheit.

These warming temperatures are attributed to heat-trapping emissions from the burning of fossil fuels and other human activities and scientists believe this could change the ability of fruit and trees to grow.

Scientists in the report believe, by the end of this century that maple, beech, birch, white spruce, and fir forests could disappear and certain varieties of apples, blueberries, and cranberries might be unsuitable for growing.

According to Adam Whelchel Ph.D, it is important that people understand these predictions and what can be done to minimize further damage caused by fossil fuels.

The report is available online at www.climatechoices.org.

"One of the defining environmental, social, and economic issues of our day is climate change, and the projected impacts of climate change and the appropriate strategies to accommodate them are beginning to be considered in earnest at global, regional, and local scales. A tangible impact will be an elevated sea level and increases in the frequency, intensity, and duration of storm events. In order to plan and respond effectively, greater understanding of science-based policy and management tools is essential," Whelchel said.

In order for shoreline residents to understand how they personally could feel the impact of climate change and global warming, the Old Saybrook Land Trust will be hosting an educational forum entitled "Global Warming in Connecticut: The 2008 Legislative Initiative to Reduce Greenhouse Emissions" on Mar. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Pasbeshauke Pavilion, located across from the Saybrook Point Inn, in Old Saybrook.

The forum is open to the public.

Keynote speaker Joshua Fiedman, the Global Warming Campaign Organizer for Connecticut Fund for the Environment will be on hand and residents will be able to watch a new 20 minute documentary narrated by Paul Newman regarding global warming.

For more information about the Old Saybrook Land Trust, visit www.oslt.org.