Report: Wisconsin’s warming climate is threatening property culture and life in the state of Wisconsin| Science & Environment

The report was released Thursday by Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts(WICCI) found that the state’s average temperature has increased by 3 degrees since 1950, exceeding any natural variability. Annual precipitation has increased 17%.

The past 20 years have been the warmest ever recorded, and the 2010s were the wettest. There has been an increase in extreme storms, which can lead to property and life loss, as well as economic activity.

Climate change is hereStephen Vavrus is a senior scientist at UW–Madisons Center for Climatic Research as well as co-director of WICCI. This 15-year-old joint initiative between the university and the Department of Natural Resources was established in 2005.

The report concluded that these trends are likely to accelerate in the coming decades. Global efforts to reduce carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases will determine how much.

We know that we are committed towards climate change since the 1800s,” said Dan Vimont (WICCI co-director), a professor of atmospheric sciences at UW-Madison. The question is: How far are we willing go? What speed are we willing to let the climate change? We can make a big difference in avoiding the worst outcomes by taking action now.

Responding to an executive order of Gov. Tony Evers, The peer-reviewed reportThis book draws on the expertise and experience of hundreds upon hundreds of scientists, professionals, and residents.

WICCI’s initial 2011 report indicated that the state was warmer, wetter and had more extreme events. For example, the 2018 storm dumped up 15 inches of rain in western Dane County.

Vavrus said that climate news has been very prevalent in the last decade. It has reached the point where almost every year is in top five for heat records.

The report points out that climate change has a direct impact on soil erosion, water pollution, decreased milk yields, and increased water consumption. It also causes soil to become waterlogged which delays spring planting and fall harvests.

Although the climate has fluctuated throughout history and the weather has changed over time, Vavrus stated that the current warming trend cannot have been explained by natural variations.

He said you would not have expected to see it happen by chance. It is a clear indication of a significant change in climate system.

Vimont stated that what is happening on the ground now matches predictions of climate models and theories, leaving him confident that the warming trend will continue.

The report states that Wisconsin’s average temperatures will rise by 2-8 degrees over the late 1900s by mid-century. This means that the new normal will be comparable to 1998 and 2012, which were the hottest years recorded.

Vimont stated that the future’s coldest year will be warmer then the current warmest. These really cold years are disappearing already and will continue to disappear in the future.

Vavrus said that the climate of southern Wisconsin will likely be very similar to central Illinois, creating problems for infrastructure, wildlife, plants, and people.

Vavrus stated, “Our economy, our lifestyle, and even our culture were shaped by the climate that weve been used to.” Traditional activities such as ice skating, fishing and skiing will be more difficult.

The report focuses on the disproportionate impacts climate change will have upon low-income families, people with disabilities, and Tribal Nations. Certain areas of the state, such as the Driftless area in southwest Wisconsin will likely see more extreme weather events and higher temperatures.

Vavrus stated that everyone is affected by climate change but not all are equally. It depends on who you are, it is not easy to just move and get up.

Temperatures are expected to rise over the next century, but the extent of that warming will depend on how quickly greenhouse gas emissions can be cut.

A panel international climate scientists has reached an agreement that human-caused carbon dioxide and methane must be reduced by zero by 2050 in order for global warming to be controlled and to avoid the worst consequences.

Vavrus stated that we have more control over the late century (outcomes), than we do over the mid-century. It is why we must turn it around immediately.

The report calls for action to reduce emissions, including fully embracing clean energy, walkable communities and public transportation — as well as steps that can be taken to adapt to a changing climate.

Vavrus said that although the report paints an bleak picture, he doesn’t want to leave people feeling doom and gloom.

He likens the situation with an emergency room patient who needs lifesaving treatment.

He said there are things we can accomplish. But we must act quickly.