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An Upside Of Climate Change
In contrast with most countries in the world, the main political factions in the United States have very different views of climate change. Somehow, one side of the aisle remains skeptical about the changing climate even as temperature records are broken, arctic ice disappears, and powerful storms become increasingly common.
But putting aside the increasingly inexplicable political schism about climate change, there are instances where the consequences of the warming climate are not all dire. In fact, there are places where climate change is having a positive effect.
One such place is West Virginia, where research studies are finding a
real upside to the changing climate.
A recent study of the climate in West Virginia over the period from
1900 to 2016 found the maximum temperatures trended downward, average minimum
temperatures ascended, and annual precipitation increased. On average, West Virginians are now seeing
cooler summers, warmer winters and wetter weather.
Given these changes, there have been big changes in agriculture. Yields of important crops like hay, corn,
winter wheat, and soybeans have all increased.
The winter season has shrunk by as much as 20 days and the growing
season itself has increased by approximately 13 days. A number of crops that historically did not
fare well in West Virginia may now become viable. It may even be possible to pursue double
cropping, meaning that the longer growing season may allow farmers to raise one
crop, harvest it, and then raise and harvest a second crop within the same
year.
In the big picture, climate change is shaping up as a global calamity,
but for a few people in certain places – such as West Virginia – it may have
some real upside.
**********
Web Links
The positive implications of…climate change? WVU researcher sees agricultural, food availability and economic possibilities
Photo, posted November 12, 2014, courtesy of Mike via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio.
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By Randy Simon
4.7
1515 ratings
In contrast with most countries in the world, the main political factions in the United States have very different views of climate change. Somehow, one side of the aisle remains skeptical about the changing climate even as temperature records are broken, arctic ice disappears, and powerful storms become increasingly common.
But putting aside the increasingly inexplicable political schism about climate change, there are instances where the consequences of the warming climate are not all dire. In fact, there are places where climate change is having a positive effect.
One such place is West Virginia, where research studies are finding a
real upside to the changing climate.
A recent study of the climate in West Virginia over the period from
1900 to 2016 found the maximum temperatures trended downward, average minimum
temperatures ascended, and annual precipitation increased. On average, West Virginians are now seeing
cooler summers, warmer winters and wetter weather.
Given these changes, there have been big changes in agriculture. Yields of important crops like hay, corn,
winter wheat, and soybeans have all increased.
The winter season has shrunk by as much as 20 days and the growing
season itself has increased by approximately 13 days. A number of crops that historically did not
fare well in West Virginia may now become viable. It may even be possible to pursue double
cropping, meaning that the longer growing season may allow farmers to raise one
crop, harvest it, and then raise and harvest a second crop within the same
year.
In the big picture, climate change is shaping up as a global calamity,
but for a few people in certain places – such as West Virginia – it may have
some real upside.
**********
Web Links
The positive implications of…climate change? WVU researcher sees agricultural, food availability and economic possibilities
Photo, posted November 12, 2014, courtesy of Mike via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio.
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