The set of standards, which Knight calls an integrated regional assessment, examines problems caused by climate change from several disciplines. Integrated regional assessment aims to take scientific information and make it relevant to those on local, regional and national levels who make policy decisions. It is likely that the warmer weather would increase the loss of moisture to the atmosphere more than the slightly increased precipitation will add to the overall water balance creating a net moisture deficit. Earth's atmosphere began to change with the advent of the Industrial Revolution, scientists say. Warmer weather could trigger more frequent and more severe droughts in the Northeast.
Climate change is also likely to make for warmer winters that produce less snow and more rain.
With the ground frozen and drains covered in snow and ice, the water has no where to go except into the streets and basements. Drought, flooding and warmer temperatures all have economic and social effects, Knight noted. Higher temperatures, for instance, would increase the incidence of heat stroke and create a greater demand for air conditioning. This, in turn, would trigger more need for electricity, which would necessitate more water for cooling water in scarce supply. More efficient air conditioners would curb the need for more electricity, he noted.