Initial Publication Date: February 11, 2021

2018 NCA Resources for Northeast Region

Contributors

Regional Chapter Editor:

Lee Frankel-Goldwater, PhD Candidate, University of Colorado, Boulder

Chapter Reviewers, 2018:

Tamara Ledley, CLEAN Network, Juliette Rooney-Varga, University of Massachusetts at Lowell, Ingrid H.H. Zabel, Paleontological Research Institution*, Jane Heinze-Fry, Wade Institute forScience Education, Bart Merrick, NOAA Environmental Science Training Center, Missy Holzer, Chatham HS (NJ), Rutgers University*, Alexandra Vecchio, Mass Audubon, Jen Kretser, The Wild Center, Britt Argow, Coastal Science Research, Education, & Communication*

NCA Education Resources for the Northeast Region

The National Climate Assessment (NCA) summarizes the impacts of climate change on the United States, now and in the future. This report collects, integrates, and assesses observations and research from around the country, helping us to see what is actually happening and understand what it means for our lives, our livelihoods, and our future. It is important that these findings and response options be shared broadly to inform people and communities across our nation. Climate change presents a major challenge for society. This report advances our understanding of that challenge and the need for the American people to prepare for and respond to its far-reaching implications.

It contains information that will help educators and students gain a deeper understanding of climate science through the Our Changing Climate section of the 2018 NCA report and 2017 supporting Climate Science Special Report (CSSR). Engineering is addressed throughout, both from the standpoint of climate change impacts and solutions, however, the Mitigation and Adaptation sections contain the most relevant information. Finally, the Frequently Asked Questions section has useful information as it relates to an Introduction to Climate Change, Climate Science, Temperature and Climate Projections, Climate, Weather, and Extreme Events, Societal Effects, and Ecological Effects.

Chapter Background

"The Northeast region is characterized by four distinct seasons and a diverse landscape that is central to the region's cultural identity, quality of life, and economic success. It is both the most heavily forested and most densely populated region in the country. Residents have ready access to beaches, forests, and other natural areas and use them heavily for recreation. Colorful autumn foliage, winter recreation, and summer vacations in the mountains or at the beach are all important parts of the Northeast's cultural identity, and this tourism contributes billions of dollars to the regional economy. The seasonal climate, natural systems, and accessibility of certain types of recreation are threatened by declining snow and ice, rising sea levels, and rising temperatures. By 2035, and under both lower and higher scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5), the Northeast is projected to be more than 3.6°F (2°C) warmer on average than during the preindustrial era. This would be the largest increase in the contiguous United States and would occur as much as two decades before global average temperatures reach a similar milestone." (Complete background and related figures available at NCA, 2018, Northeast Chapter)

Using this Guide:

The NCA Education Resources for the Northeast Region features 1) guiding questions, 2) key figures, 3) related chapters from the report, 4) lesson plans, 5) videos for all of the NCA key messages for the region, and 6) related U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit Case Studies. Teachers can have students explore the toolkit case studies to see how people are building resilience for their businesses and in their communities in the region. This page contains information that will help educators and students gain a deeper understanding of climate science and the implications for the region.

Chapter Table of Contents with Section Links:

Key Message 1: Changing Seasons Affect Rural Ecosystems, Environments, and Economies

Key Message 2: Changing Coastal and Ocean Habitats, Ecosystem Services, and Livelihoods

Key Message 3: Maintaining Urban Areas and Communities and Their Interconnectedness

Key Message 4: Threats to Human Health

Key Message 5: Adaptation to Climate Change is Underway 

Key Message 1: Changing Seasons Affect Rural Ecosystems, Environments, and Economies

The seasonality of the Northeast is central to the region's sense of place and is an important driver of rural economies. Less distinct seasons with milder winter and earlier spring conditions are already altering ecosystems and environments in ways that adversely impact tourism, farming, and forestry. The region's rural industries and livelihoods are at risk from further changes to forests, wildlife, snowpack, and streamflow.

Sub-categories under this key message:

  • A Changing Winter–Spring Transition
  • Challenges for Natural Resource-Based Industries
  • Intense Precipitation

Key Message 2: Changing Coastal and Ocean Habitats, Ecosystem Services, and Livelihoods

The Northeast's coast and ocean support commerce, tourism, and recreation that are important to the region's economy and way of life. Warmer ocean temperatures, sea level rise, and ocean acidification threaten these services.

The adaptive capacity of marine ecosystems and coastal communities will influence ecological and socioeconomic outcomes as climate risks increase.

Sub-categories under this key message:

  • Ocean Warming
  • Ocean Acidification
  • Future Projections of Ocean Warming and Acidification
  • Sea Level Rise, Storms, and Flooding
  • Landscape Change and Impacts on Ecosystems Services
  • Projections of Future Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flooding
  • Future Adaptability of the Coastal Landscape

Key Message 3: Maintaining Urban Areas and Communities and Their Interconnectedness

The Northeast's urban centers and their interconnections are regional and national hubs for cultural and economic activity. Major negative impacts on critical infrastructure, urban economies, and nationally significant historic sites are already occurring and will become more common with a changing climate.

Sub-categories under this key message:

  • Climate–Infrastructure Interaction and Heightened Risks
  • Critical Infrastructure Service Disruption
  • Impacts on Urban Economies
  • Preparedness in Cities and Towns

Key Message 4: Threats to Human Health

Changing climate threatens the health and well-being of people in the Northeast through more extreme weather, warmer temperatures, degradation of air and water quality, and sea level rise. These environmental changes are expected to lead to health-related impacts and costs, including additional deaths, emergency room visits and hospitalizations, and a lower quality of life. Health impacts are expected to vary by location, age, current health, and other characteristics of individuals and communities.

Sub-categories under this key message:

  • Health Effects of Extreme Heat
  • Health Effects of Air Pollution, Aeroallergens, and Wildfires
  • Changing Ecosystems and Risk of Vector-Borne Disease
  • Gastrointestinal Illness from Waterborne and Foodborne Contaminants
  • Mental Health and Well-Being
  • Regional Variation in Health Impacts and Vulnerability

Key Message 5: Adaptation to Climate Change is Underway

Communities in the Northeast are proactively planning and implementing actions to reduce risks posed by climate change.

Using decision support tools to develop and apply adaptation strategies informs both the value of adopting solutions and the remaining challenges. Experience since the last assessment provides a foundation to advance future adaptation efforts.

Sub-categories under this key message:

  • Decision Support Tools and Adaptation Actions

 

Disclaimer: The National Climate Assessment regional resources for educators is written, edited, and moderated by each regional team of contributors. Posts reflect the views of the regional team themselves and not necessarily Climate.gov, NOAA and USGCRP.