Average temperture has risen 1 degree F over the last century in the Mid-Atlantic

Region as well as across the globe. Climate science is developing rapidly and

many studies project additional warming. Although the future is uncertain and

difficult to predict, our best science suggests the following changes are likely.

The Mid-Atlantic Region will be somewhat warmer and

perhaps wetter, resulting in a wide range of impacts on plants, wildlife, and

humans. Human activities that release heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere

will continue to accelerate the observed warming trend. Climate change will

compound existing stresses from population density and development. The

region’s overall economy is quite

resilient, but impacts will be more

severe for some economic activities and localities.

United States Region 3 EPA/903/F-00/002

Environmental Protection Philadelphia, PA 19103 June 2001

Agency www.epa.gov

How Will Climate Change Affect the

Mid-Atlantic Region?

Washington DC

Dewey Beach

Ocean City

Richmond

Virginia Beach

Cape Hatteras

Wilmington, NC

Sea-level is rising 1 - 2 inches per decade along the Mid-Atlantic coastline.

Climate change will likely double that rate, causing sea level to rise 15 - 40 inches

during this century. Sea-level rise threatens beaches, beach properties, wetlands,

and barrier islands that help shield the mainland from the impacts of storm surges.

Sea-level rise will affect tourism and property values, insurance and infrastructure

repair costs, and saltwater seeping into fresh water wells.

Floods and droughtscould be more frequent and severe.

More rain and snow could bolster fresh water supplies, but the region’s

growing population and industry will use more water. Runoff from

heavy rain carries sediments, pesticides, fertilizers, and germs into

nearby waterways. Degradedwater quality disturbs aquatic life and

leads to more stringent pollution discharge limits forindustry and water

treatment plants and higher costs for manufacturers, consumers, and

taxpayers. Trout and other cold-water fish species will become less

abundant; warm-water fish will become more plentiful.

Two Projections for

Temperature Rise Over

the Next Century in the

Mid-Atlantic Region

Rockville, Maryland 1975

Coastal Lowlands Coastal Lowlands

Areas in red are currently at risk

when tides are high and will be flooded

more frequently as sea level rises.

Titus and Richman, Climate Research, 2001

Baltimore

less than 5 feet

5 - 11.5 feet

more than 11.5 feet

Area now above sea level

20 miles
2

Decisions Decisions NOW will affect the

severity of impacts in the future.

Individuals and local community,

government, and corporate

decision-makers can act now to

take advantage of the benefits

and lessen the negative impacts

of climate change. Actions could

be taken to minimize risks

associated with both wet and dry

extremes of climate. We can take

simple steps – planting trees and

using more energy-efficient

appliances – while tackling more

complex challenges – improving

watershed management and

revising policies that encourage

coastal development.

Learn more about global warming and what you can do by reading Learn more about global warming and what you can do by reading Preparing for

Climate Change, Mid-Atlantic Overview, a copy of which can be obtained by writing

to Penn State University/AERS, 107 to Penn State University/AERS, 107 Armsby Building, University Park, PA 16802.

The Mid-Atlantic Region Study is part of the First National Assessment. More

information about global warming is also available at the following websites:

www.epa.gov/globalwarming/; www.essc.psu.edu/mara/; www.nacc.usgcrp.gov/. www.epa.gov/globalwarming/; www.essc.psu.edu/mara/; www.nacc.usgcrp.gov/.

Additional copies of this fact sheet may be obtained by calling the Mid-Atlantic

Integrated Integrated Assessment, EPA Region 3 at 410-305-2749. Region 3 at 410-305-2749.

Most Certain

• Agricultural production

• Coastal zones

• Temperature related health status

Moderately Certain

• Forestry production

• Temperature related health status

Uncertain

• Biodiversity

• Fresh water quantity

• Fresh water quality

• Ecological functioning

• Vector and water-borne disease

health status

• Environmental effects from agriculture

tobacco

erosion,

saltwater intrusion

heat stress

soybeans,

possibly

corn and

treefruits

extreme events more growth,

different mix

less cold stress

migration barriers,

invasive species

more variability

runoff

forest composition,

cold water fisheries

Cryptosporidiosis

nutrient leaching,

runoff

warmer

temperatures

more average

steamflow

warm water

fisheries

Summary of Mid-Atlantic Impacts Negative Impact Positive Impact

Birds’ winter ranges will change.

Invasive species that thrive in warmer and wetter

environments coulddisplace beneficial Mid-Atlantic

species and create pest control problems.

Climate Change Effects on Animals and Plants

Reduction in biodiversity: Changes in the variety of organisms

found within the Mid-Atlantic region will affect valued functions – pollinating

crops, moderating and purifying water flows, and providing diverse wildlife.

Printed on chlorine free, 100% recycled/recyclable paper with 100%

post-consumer fiber using vegetable-based ink.

Arrow length and thickness shows the relative size of potential impacts:

bigger arrows mean bigger impacts. Arrows in the lower sections of the

table have lighter shading because those impacts are less certain.

Forestsof maple, beech and birch gradually will be replaced by oak, hickory, and pine – making hardwoods that

are valuable for furniture less abundant. Trees will, however, tend to grow faster and use water more efficiently. The

distribution and abundance of pests, frequency of fires, and the extent of soil erosion and decomposition also will

change.

Positive and negativeeffects will be experienced. The positive

 benefits to the region are fewer and smaller than the negative impacts. The

following table summarizes these impacts and the certainty that they will happen.