Salt water from the Gulf of Mexico could contaminate aquifers and rivers. Severe hurricanes may be more common. Global warming may also disrupt natural ecosystems. Many experts believe that the climate will change too quickly for animals and plants to adapt or migrate to new areas. Inland fish populations may be unable to escape high water temperatures or habitats may disappear.
Studies are now under way to prepare for the possible impact of global warming.
Scientists hope to learn how rivers will respond to higher temperatures, to project when the warming will begin, to develop strategies to adapt to the warmer climate, and to increase agricultural and urban water use efficiency.