Virginia, what does this report tell us regarding preparing for future climate change and related impacts?
Virginia Burkett: I believe the report will serve as a foundation for adaptation to climate change in many US regions and among some sectors like agriculture. Because of the downscaling that we’ve done with the climate models to a regional level, it will help people anticipate and prepare for climate change. Adaptation is important because even if emissions of fossil fuels are reduced and leveled off at today’s rate, the climate will continue to warm for the next 30 to 40 years because of the changes that have already been made to the atmosphere. So adaptation is important because it will minimize the adverse effects of climate change on our economy, as well as communities and natural resources.
