Science & Environment| Science & Environment

Thursday’s report was published by the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts(WICCI) found that the state’s average temperature has increased by 3 degrees since 1950. This is a significant increase in temperature compared to natural variability. Annual precipitation has increased 17%

The past 20 years have been the warmest ever recorded, and the 2010s have been the wettest. Extreme storms have increased sharply, causing loss of life, property, and disrupting economic activity.

Climate change is here, said Stephen Vavrus (a senior scientist at UW–Madisons Center for Climatic Research) and codirector of WICCI (15-year-old collaborative led jointly by the university and Department of Natural Resources).

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? How fast are you willing to allow the climate change to happen? 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 stated that climate news has been very prevalent in the past decade. It has reached the point that almost every year is among the top five for warmth records.

Climate change is a contributing factor to soil erosion and water pollution, decreased milk production, increased water use, and soil waterlogging that delays spring planting and fall harvests.

Vavrus said that while the climate has been changing throughout history, and weather fluctuations have occurred, the current warming trend cannot possibly be explained by natural variances.

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

Vimont stated that the observations are now in line with predictions and climate models, which means that there is no doubt that the warming trend will continue.

The report predicts that Wisconsin’s average temperature will be between 2 and 8 degrees warmer by mid-century than it was in the late 1900s. This means that the new normal will be comparable to the hottest years currently recorded: 1998 and 2012.

Vimont stated that this means that the future’s coldest years will be warmer than those we have now. These really cold years are disappearing already and will continue to disappear in the future.

Vavrus stated that the climate in southern Wisconsin will likely be similar to central Illinois’s, which could pose challenges for infrastructure, wildlife and plants, as well as people.

Vavrus stated, “Our economy, our lifestyle, and even our culture were shaped by the climate that we’ve been accustomed too.” Traditional activities such as ice skating and fishing, or 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 experience greater temperatures and flooding.

Vavrus stated that everyone is affected by climate change but not all are equally. It doesn’t matter who you are, it can be difficult 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 of international climate scientists agreed that human-caused methane and carbon emissions must be reduced to zero by 2050 to avoid the most devastating impacts.

Vavrus stated that we have more control over the late century (outcomes), than we do over the mid-century. We need to turn it around now.

The report calls for action to reduce emissions, including fully embracing clean energy, walkable communities and public transportation. It also recommends steps to adapt to changing climates.

Although the report paints a grim picture, Vavrus stated that he does not want to give people a sense of doom.

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

He said that there are many things we can do. We must act quickly, however.