Impacts of Global Warming on Oregon
Learn more about how global warming will impact our health, economy, and agricultural sector and what we can do about it.
The Science Is Clear
Global warming puts our health, economy, and environment at serious risk and Oregon is already feeling the effects.
Environmental Impacts
By 2100, the average
temperature will rise 3 to 10˚ across the
Northwest. (1)
Rising temperatures will turn snow into rain at lower elevations and significantly diminish average snowpack, with a corresponding reduction in runoff and stream-flows. The University of Oregon estimates that snowpack may fall 75% from baseline by 2040, and another 75% from 2040 to an insignificant amount by 2080. (2)
Increased Wildfire, Storms and Flooding
Reduced snowpack and soil moisture along with hotter temperatures and longer fire seasons are likely to significantly increase the amount of vegetation consumed by fire.
The incidence of storms and flooding is also predicted to increase. Populations most vulnerable to flooding will be those living in portions of inland valley bottoms (such as portions of Ashland and Medford) and steep canyons with forested areas. (3)
Vulnerability of Local Species
Salmon and other coldwater species will suffer from additional stresses as a result of rising water temperatures and declining summer streamflows. Even more stress may come from invasive species and refugees that come to the Basin from areas with larger climactic problems. (4)
Rising Sea-Levels and Increased Erosion (5)
Health Impacts
Oregonians will see an increase in unhealthy air days, as hotter summertime temperatures generate more smog. A longer pollen season will make life more uncomfortable for people with asthma and allergies. Click here to download the Physicians for Social Responsibility comprehensive report "Degrees of Danger: Health Effects of Climate Change and Energy in Oregon." (6)
Demands for emergency services are also likely to increase due to dramatic weather events, and rising summer temperatures will likely increase the incidence and intensity of heat-related illnesses and vector-born diseases like Lyme disease and West Nile Virus.
OEC is engaging health
professionals in supporting solutions to global warming. Our Spring 2007 Healthy
Environment, Healthy Tomorrow Newsletter [PDF] focused on how global warming
will impact human health.
Economic Impacts
The economic consequences of global warming cannot be ignored. Agriculture will face increased competition for available water supplies, and higher temperatures are likely to reduce the viability of fruit crops like pear, and wine grapes, particularly in pinot noir vineyards. Manufacturing, retail, and service sectors are likely to experience higher fuel and electrical costs due to reduced summer output from the BPA hydro system, disruption in supply chains and the distribution of goods due to increased dramatic weather events and workplace health concerns.
There is a silver lining – Oregon businesses can position themselves to take advantage of the business opportunities inherent in addressing global warming. OEC shared such tools during our 2008 Forum for Business & the Environment series, and we are promoting comprehensive global warming policy that will help the state cushion itself from the worst impacts to our economy.
Impacts on Agriculture
Oregon agriculture will be significantly impacted by global warming. Agriculture is arguably more closely linked to the climate than any other industry. Global warming’s effects on agriculture will include reduced water supply, changed growing seasons and conditions that may require different crops, and increased crop pests and diseases.
While unpredictable weather is all in a day’s job for Oregon’s agriculturalists, few want to deal with even more uncertainty. A growing number of farmers and ranchers are seeking tools to reduce their own global warming impact and play a role in slowing global warming. The Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources at Washington State University hosts a Climate Friendly Farming program that helps farmers develop and implement agricultural systems and practices that mitigate global warming.
OEC is also working with two arms of the Oregon agriculture community, nurseries and wineries, to help develop sector-specific solutions for these businesses to use energy more efficiently, reduce costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Contact Allison Hensey, OEC's program director for Healthy Food & Farms to learn more.
Close to Home
The Climate Leadership Institute at the University of Oregon released two reports this spring that catalogued global warming impacts to the Rogue River Basin and the Willamette River Basin.
Learn more about how global warming will impact our health, economy, and agricultural sector and what we can do about it:
- Global warming impacts on Oregonians' health
- Global warming impacts on Oregon's economy
- Global warming impacts on Oregon agriculture
[1] “Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States” (US Global Change Research Program, 2009
[2] “Preparing for Climate Change in the Rogue River Basin of Southwest Oregon”
[3] “Preparing for Climate Change in the Rogue River Basin of Southwest Oregon”
[4] “Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States”
[5] “Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States”
[6] See OEC website - Global Warming Impacts on Oregonians' Health
