Resolution 2022-26 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Boulder Hazard Mitigation Plan Introduction Figure 1-1 Global Carbon Dioxide Levels over Time Climate.nasa.gov. This graph, based on the comparison of atmospheric samples contained in ice cores and more recent direct measurements, provides evidence that atmospheric CO2 has increased since the Industrial Revolution. (Credit: Luthi, D., et al. 2008; Etheridge, D.M., et al. 2010; Vostok ice core data/J.R. Petit et al.; NOAA Mauna Loa CO2 record.) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is made up of over 1300 scientists from around the world. Utilizing best available data, these scientists believe average global temperatures will continue to rise between 2.5- and 10-degrees Fahrenheit by the end of this century (IPCC). Impacts from a two -degree rise have already led to increased extreme heat days, precipitation variability, bigger hurricanes and storm events, increased likelihood of wildfires, and sea level rise. If trends continue, there will be catastrophic impacts to the economic, social and environmental systems we all rely on. National Context The Fourth National Climate Assessment (NCA4) states that in the coming decades the United States will experience "high temperature extremes, heavy precipitation events, and high tide flooding events along the U.S. coastline," among other effects. With these changes will also come "more frequent and intense extreme weather and climate -related events, as well as changes in average climate conditions". As experienced and observed in recent years, these extreme hazard events disrupt lives and local economies, strain social services, damage infrastructure, and cause harm to ecosystems. Effects of climate change are impacting our communities today. Daily stresses are compounded when one or more of these climate -related impacts occurs. Recent trends in annual average temperature variability will not only persist but also accelerate in the coming decades. According to NCA4, "annual average temperature over the contiguous United States has increased by 1.27 for the period 1986-2016 relative to 1901-1960". In the future, the annual average temperature of the contiguous United States is expected to increase by about twice as much (2.57) by 2050, as compared to the average from 1976-2005, and even larger increases are expected to occur by the end of the 21 st century. Daily extreme temperatures are also expected to increase, with the largest increases effecting the coldest temperatures of the year, especially in the northern half of the country. Changes in the warmest daily temperatures of the year will be more uniform across the contiguous United States. However, overall average temperatures will continue to increase leading to more frequent and intense heatwave and extreme heat events. In addition to temperature changes, heavy precipitation events are also likely to continue increasing in frequency and intensity leading to more flash flooding.