September 24, 2007
UNIT 5: EcologyGlobal Warming Research: Understanding the Situation
The evidence for global climate change is undeniable. Many researchers are trying to understand climate change: its change over time, its impact on ecosystems and economies, and how to limit its effects. Here are a few examples of current research into the state of climate change.
Better Simulations of Our Current and Future Climate Gene Takle, Ray Arritt and Bill Gutowski of Iowa State University are using climate models and simulations to help study the impacts of climate change in Iowa and across North America. Tackle and his colleagues are part of an international group of researchers working to hone climate models to better forecast future climate changes. They are testing their models on past climate data to make sure the simulations reflect what really happened. Once that is complete, Tackle and others will run simulations for 2040 through 2070. "If the climate is changing, you can't stop it over the next 50 years," says Takle. "What's coming is coming and we better be prepared to adjust to it."
Pacific Northwest Coast Threatened by Rising Sea Levels The Pacific Northwest coast will be affected by moderate to dramatic sea-level changes that will set off a domino effect in the region. "When Chinook salmon are threatened by habitat changes, lack of food, and warmer water, orcas suddenly can't find enough food to live and reproduce." notes Patty Glick of the National Wildlife Federation’s Western Natural Resources Center. Her study also indicates that the sea-level rise result in a loss of beaches, tidal flats, and inland and tidal fresh marshland. Governor Chris Gregoire further notes "Changes to coastal habitats will have not only consequences for fish and wildlife, but for the business and workers that depend on them for survival."
Tree Banking Not a Simple Solution Some have suggested that an increase of carbon dioxide in the air will contribute to larger plant growth. Larger plants will store more carbon dioxide, or “bank” the carbon dioxide. Researchers on the FACE project at Duke University found that trees exposed to extra carbon dioxide will grow an average of 20 percent more biomass. However, average does not mean equal. If trees have good water and nutrient resources, they can store significant amounts of carbon dioxide, while those that don’t have adequate water or nutrients stored significantly less. This study suggests a future need to fertilize vast forests which will, however, negatively impact our water quality.