1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910811956103321

Titolo

The impact of global warming on Texas [[electronic resource] /] / edited by Jurgen Schmandt, Gerald R. North, and Judith Clarkson

Pubbl/distr/stampa

Austin, Tex., : University of Texas Press, 2011

ISBN

0-292-73324-0

Edizione

[2nd ed.]

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (329 p.)

Altri autori (Persone)

SchmandtJurgen

ClarksonJudith

NorthGerald R

Disciplina

363.738/74209764

Soggetti

Global warming - Texas

Climatic changes - Environmental aspects - Texas

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Note generali

Description based upon print version of record.

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Nota di contenuto

Climate science and climate change / Gerald R. North -- The changing climate of Texas / John W. Nielsen-Gammon -- Water resources and water supply / George H. Ward -- Coastal impacts / Sally Morehead -- Biodiversity / Judith Clarkson -- Agriculture / Bruce A. McCarl -- Urban areas / David Hitchcock -- Greenhouse gas emissions / Judith Clarkson -- Economy / Jared Hazleton -- Policy / Jurgen Schmandt.

Sommario/riassunto

When The Impact of Global Warming on Texas was first published in 1995, it discussed climate change as a likely future phenomenon, predicted by scientific studies. This entirely rewritten second edition presents evidence that early climate change impacts can now be observed and identifies the threats climate change will pose to Texas through the year 2050. It also offers the hopeful message that corrective action, if taken now, can avert unmanageable consequences. The book begins with a discussion of climate science and modeling and the information that can be derived from these sources for Texas. The authors follow this with an analysis of actual climate trends in the various Texas climate regions, including a predicted rise in temperatures of 5.4 degrees F (plus or minus 1.8 F) by the end of the century. This could lead to less rainfall and higher evaporation, especially in regions that are already dry. Other important effects



include possible changes in El NiƱo (climate variability) patterns and hurricane behaviors. Taking into account projected population growth, subsequent chapters explore likely trends with respect to water availability, coastal impacts, and biodiversity. The authors then look at the issues from a policy perspective, focusing on Texas's importance to the national economy as an energy producer, particularly of oil and gas. They recommend that Texas develop its own climate change policy to serve the goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy independence, ensuring regional security, and improving management of water, air, land, and wildlife.