Climate change in New Jersey

Last updated

Climate change in New Jersey is of concern due to its effects on the ecosystem, economy, infrastructure, and people of the U.S. state of New Jersey. According to climatology research by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, New Jersey has been the fastest-warming state by average air temperature over a 100-year period beginning in the early 20th century, [1] related to global warming.

Contents

New Jersey map of Koppen climate classification. New Jersey Koppen.svg
New Jersey map of Köppen climate classification.

Temperature

Hurricane Sandy flooding, Hoboken New Jersey National Guard - Flickr - The National Guard (43).jpg
Hurricane Sandy flooding, Hoboken
Wildfire, 2009 Wildland Fire incident New Jersey Forest Fire Service 19APR2009.jpg
Wildfire, 2009

"The statewide average temperature in 2012," 56.0 °F (13.3 °C), "was the highest in 118 years of records." This was 2.8 °F (1.6 °C) above the 1981-2010 mean. [2]

Kanouse fire near West Milford, 2023 Kanouse Fire viewed from highway.jpg
Kanouse fire near West Milford, 2023

As of 2013, "[n]ine of the ten warmest calendar years on record have occurred since 1990 and the five warmest years have occurred since 1998, consistent with the long-term upward trend of 2.2 °F (1.2 °C) per century." [2]

Precipitation

Destroyed houses, Hurricane Sandy A Changed Coastline in Jersey (8150910119).jpg
Destroyed houses, Hurricane Sandy

According to the EPA, as of 2016, "[a]verage annual precipitation in New Jersey has increased 5 to 10 percent in the last century, and precipitation from extremely heavy storms has increased 70 percent in the Northeast since 1958." [3]

Similarly, according to a 2013 Rutgers Climate Institute study, "[s]ince 1895, annual precipitation has increased at a rate of 4.1 inches (100 mm) (or about 9%) per century." [2]

As of 2013, 2011 was the wettest year on record. [2]

Heavy precipitation events have been increasing in New Jersey, as is also the case "throughout the northeastern United States." [2]

Ecosystems

Many coastal species are already changing their distributions. [2] If the sea level rises two feet (0.61 m) along the coast of New Jersey, "[w]etlands along Delaware Bay in Cumberland County" are "likely to be lost" due to such rise. [3] Many species rely on tidal marshes which would be threatened as marshes erode. Such species include blue crab, perch, weakfish, flounder, and rockfish (which "rely on the tidal marshes in Delaware Bay to hide from predators"), as well as sea turtles and shorebirds (which feed on species that inhabit the marshes). [3]

"In Barnegat Bay and Little Egg Harbor, the rising sea is already eroding and submerging small marsh islands, which are important nesting areas that protect common terns, black skimmers, and oystercatchers from land-based predators." [3]

"Changing temperatures could also disrupt ecosystems. For example, if water temperatures exceed 86 °F (30 °C) during summer, eelgrass could be lost, which would remove a key source of food for many fish." [3]

Higher acidity in the water also threatens certain species, like scallops and surf clams; this could lower their populations, threatening New Jersey's commercial fishing industry. [3]

"Water temperature data from the late 1980s to early 2000s, collected at Rutgers University Marine Field Station, demonstrate milder winter temperatures in recent years while in this same period larvae of multiple fish species of southern origin became more abundant and those of northern species declined in richness and abundance." [2]

Coastline

Sea level rise

"At Atlantic City, where records extend back to 1912, sea level has risen by an average rate of 1.5 inches per decade over the period of record." Atlantic City skyline from 47th floor of Revel.jpg
"At Atlantic City, where records extend back to 1912, sea level has risen by an average rate of 1.5 inches per decade over the period of record."

The sea level along the Jersey coast is rising faster than the global average, where the global average, since the early 1990s, has risen 1.2 inches (3.0 cm) per decade. [2] "Sea level is rising more rapidly along the New Jersey shore than in most coastal areas because the land is sinking. If the oceans and atmosphere continue to warm, the sea is likely to rise eighteen inches (46 cm) to four feet (1.2 m) along the New Jersey shore in the next century." [3]

The sinking of New Jersey results from the fact that "[i]ce sheets that covered New Jersey during that last Ice Age pushed the Earth's crust down into the mantle below and that sinking continues today." [4] (See Post-glacial rebound)

Rutgers scientist project that by 2030, "sea level is projected to rise by 7 to 16 inches (18 to 41 cm), with a best estimate of 10 inches (25 cm). In 2050, the range is 13 to 28 inches (33 to 71 cm) with a best estimate of 18 inches (46 cm), and by 2100 the range is 30 to 71 inches (0.76 to 1.80 m) with a best estimate of 42 inches (1.1 m)." [2]

"The United States Geological Survey estimates that barrier islands of the New Jersey shore from Bay Head to Cape May would be broken up by new inlets or lost to erosion if sea level rises three feet (0.91 m) by the year 2100, unless people take actions to reduce erosion." [3]

Storms

Sign thanking first responders after Hurricane Sandy, 2012 New Jersey National Guard - Flickr - The National Guard (12) (cropped).jpg
Sign thanking first responders after Hurricane Sandy, 2012

As sea level rises, potential storm surge rises as well, threatening coastal homes and infrastructure. [3] "Wind speeds and rainfall intensity during hurricanes and tropical storms are likely to increase as the climate warms. Rising sea level is likely to increase flood insurance rates, while more frequent storms could increase the deductible for wind damage in homeowner insurance policies." [3]

Hurricane Sandy, which struck New Jersey in 2012, was made particularly dangerous because of the storm surge it caused. [2] "Recent studies find little evidence of an increase in the number of hurricanes and tropical storms in the North atlantic during the past century, but there is evidence of an increase in the frequency and intensity of intense tropical cyclones during the period since 1970." [2] "A recent NOAA study projects that the return period for coastal inundation equivalent to that from Sandy would decrease to less than 20 years by the end of the century if sea level rise in New Jersey is at the high end of the expected range." [2]

A March 2019 report prepared by the United States Army Corps of Engineers "says coastal communities face a combined average of nearly $1.6 billion a year in damage in the future [from flooding, storms] if steps aren’t taken." [5]

Effects on human health

Wildfire smoke pollution, 2023 Quebec Canada Wildfire Smoke Consumes New Jersey and New York City June 7 2023 (52959310530).jpg
Wildfire smoke pollution, 2023

"Heat-related hospitalizations and emergency department visits in the summer have been rising over the past decade in New Jersey" as of 2017. [6]

Responses to climate change in New Jersey

Jersey-Atlantic Wind Farm Atlantic-Jersey Wind Farm.jpg
Jersey-Atlantic Wind Farm

Government

EVgo charging stand, Menlo Park Mall EV Go Charger at Menlo Park Mall 01 (cropped).jpg
EVgo charging stand, Menlo Park Mall

The New Jersey Global Warming Response Act of 2007 sets targets for New Jersey to reduce greenhouse gas emissions: a reduction to 1990 levels by 2020, and a reduction of 80 percent from 2006 levels by 2050. [7]

In December 2019, New Jersey joined consideration for a multi-state gasoline cap-and-trade program. The plan aims to reduce transportation-related tailpipe emissions, and would levy a tax on fuel companies based on carbon dioxide emissions. The most ambitious version of the plan is projected to reduce the area's tailpipe emissions by 25% between 2022 and 2032. The program is in the public comment phase, with individual states determining whether to participate. The program could begin as early as 2022. [8]

University

Solar roof installation, Delran Baylson 000290 171088 515945 4578 (36963957595) (cropped).jpg
Solar roof installation, Delran

In 2011, the New Jersey Climate Change Alliance was formed at Rutgers University. [9] The organization "is a collective of organizations and individuals that share the goal of advancing science-informed climate change strategies and policy at the state and local levels in New Jersey." [10] "The Alliance is facilitated by Rutgers University through the Rutgers Climate Institute and the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy." [10]

The Rutgers Climate Institute at Rutgers University states that it "is a University-wide effort to address one of the most important issues of our time through research, education and outreach." [11] The Institute facilitates collaboration across different academic departments and focuses on outreach. [11]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Washington</span> Climate change in the US state of Washington

Climate change in the US state of Washington is a subject of study and projection today. The major impacts of climate change in Washington State include increase in carbon dioxide levels, increase in temperatures, earlier annual snow melt, sea level rise, and others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Effects of climate change on small island countries</span>

The effects of climate change on small island countries are affecting people in coastal areas through sea level rise, increasing heavy rain events, tropical cyclones and storm surges. These effects of climate change threaten the existence of many island countries, their peoples and cultures. They also alter ecosystems and natural environments in those countries. Small island developing states (SIDS) are a heterogenous group of countries but many of them are particularly at risk to climate change. Those countries have been quite vocal in calling attention to the challenges they face from climate change. For example, the Maldives and nations of the Caribbean and Pacific Islands are already experiencing considerable impacts of climate change. It is critical for them to implement climate change adaptation measures fast.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Connecticut</span> Climate change in the US state of Connecticut

Climate change in Connecticut encompasses the effects of climate change, attributed to man-made increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide, in the U.S. state of Connecticut.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Delaware</span> Climate change in the US state of Delaware

Climate change in Delaware encompasses the effects of climate change, attributed to man-made increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide, in the U.S. state of Delaware.

Climate change in Guam encompasses the effects of climate change, attributed to man-made increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide, in the U.S. territory of Guam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Illinois</span> Climate change in the US state of Illinois

Climate change in Illinois encompasses the effects of climate change, attributed to man-made increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide, in the U.S. state of Illinois.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Louisiana</span> Climate change in the US state of Louisiana

Climate change in Louisiana encompasses the effects of climate change, attributed to man-made increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide, in the U.S. state of Louisiana.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Maine</span> Climate change in the US state of Maine

Climate change in Maine encompasses the effects of climate change, attributed to man-made increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxides, in the U.S. state of Maine. The United States Environmental Protection Agency reports that Maine has warmed roughly three degrees F since 1900. Sea level in Maine has risen eight inches since the 1950s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Maryland</span> Climate change in the US state of Maryland

Climate change in Maryland encompasses the effects of climate change, attributed to man-made increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide, in the U.S. state of Maryland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Mississippi</span> Climate change in the US state of Mississippi

Climate change in Mississippi encompasses the effects of climate change, attributed to man-made increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide, in the U.S. state of Mississippi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in New Hampshire</span> Climate change in the US state of New Hampshire

Climate change in New Hampshire encompasses the effects of climate change, attributed to man-made increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide, in the U.S. state of New Hampshire.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Puerto Rico</span> Climate change in the US territory of Puerto Rico

Climate change has had large impacts on the ecosystems and landscapes of the US territory Puerto Rico. According to a 2019 report by Germanwatch, Puerto Rico is the most affected by climate change. The territory's energy consumption is mainly derived from imported fossil fuels.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Rhode Island</span> Climate change in the US state of Rhode Island

Climate change in Rhode Island encompasses the effects of climate change, attributed to man-made increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide, in the U.S. state of Rhode Island.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in South Carolina</span> Climate change in the US state of South Carolina

Climate change in South Carolina encompasses the effects of climate change, attributed to man-made increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide, in the U.S. state of South Carolina.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Virginia</span> Climate change in the US state of Virginia

Climate change in Virginia encompasses the effects of climate change, attributed to man-made increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide, in the U.S. state of Virginia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in the Caribbean</span> Emissions, impacts and responses of the Caribbean region related to climate change

Climate changein the Caribbean poses major risks to the islands in the Caribbean. The main environmental changes expected to affect the Caribbean are a rise in sea level, stronger hurricanes, longer dry seasons and shorter wet seasons. As a result, climate change is expected to lead to changes in the economy, environment and population of the Caribbean. Temperature rise of 2°C above preindustrial levels can increase the likelihood of extreme hurricane rainfall by four to five times in the Bahamas and three times in Cuba and the Dominican Republic. A rise in sea level could impact coastal communities of the Caribbean if they are less than 3 metres (10 ft) above the sea. In Latin America and the Caribbean, it is expected that 29–32 million people may be affected by the sea level rise because they live below this threshold. The Bahamas is expected to be the most affected because at least 80% of the total land is below 10 meters elevation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in North Carolina</span> Climate change in the US state of North Carolina

Climate change in North Carolina is of concern due to its impacts on the environment, climate, people, and economy of North Carolina. "Most of the state has warmed one-half to one degree (F) in the last century, and the sea is rising about one inch every decade." North Carolina, along with the rest of the Southeastern United States, has warmed less than the rest of the country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in New York (state)</span> Climate change in the US state of New York

Climate change in New York encompasses the effects of climate change, attributed to man-made increases in atmospheric greenhouse gases, in the U.S. state of New York. It is of concern due to its impact on the people, ecosystem, and economy of the state. Many parts of the state are already experiencing weather changes, and sea-level rise, and threatening local communities.

Climate change may have a range of impacts in the Republic of Ireland. Increasing temperatures may change weather patterns, with the potential for increased heatwaves, rainfall and storm events, with subsequent impacts on people through flooding Climate change has been assessed to be the single biggest threat to Ireland, according to the head of the Defence Forces of Ireland, Mark Mellett.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Pennsylvania</span> Climate change in the US state of Pennsylvania

Climate change in Pennsylvania encompasses the effects of climate change, attributed to man-made increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide, in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania.

References

  1. ↑ Bruce A. Scruton (August 30, 2021). "New Jersey tops list of states warming up the fastest". New Jersey Herald. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Broccoli, Anthony; Kaplan, Marjorie; Loikith, Paul; Robinson, David. "State of the Climate: New Jersey (2013)". Rutgers Climate Institute. Retrieved 5 July 2019.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 EPA. "What Climate Change Means for New Jersey" (PDF). United States Environmental Protection Agency . Retrieved 4 July 2019.
  4. ↑ Guion, Payton; Warren, Sol. "Here's how climate change will make N.J. deadlier in your lifetime". NJ.com. Retrieved 5 July 2019.
  5. ↑ Kummer, Frank. "N.J. coastal towns face nearly $1.6B in annual damage from sea rise, flooding, storms, report finds". The Philadelphia Inquirer . Retrieved 5 July 2019.
  6. ↑ Zimmer, Russ. "Climate change: 5 signs it's already begun in NJ". app. Part of the USA Today Network. Retrieved 5 July 2019.
  7. ↑ "Global Warming Response Act" (PDF).
  8. ↑ Tabuchi, Hiroko (17 December 2019). "Eastern States Introduce a Plan to Cap Tailpipe Pollution". The New York Times. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  9. ↑ New Jersey Climate Adaptation Alliance. "About Us" . Retrieved 4 July 2019.
  10. 1 2 NJCCA. "New Jersey Climate Change Alliance". Rutgers New Jersey Climate Change Alliance. Retrieved 4 July 2019.
  11. 1 2 Rutgers Climate Institute. "Rutgers Climate Institute" . Retrieved 4 July 2019.

Further reading

Dupigny-Giroux, L.A.; E.L. Mecray; M.D. Lemcke-Stampone; G.A. Hodgkins; E.E. Lentz; K.E. Mills; E.D. Lane; R. Miller; D.Y. Hollinger; W.D. Solecki; G.A. Wellenius; P.E. Sheffield; A.B. MacDonald; C. Caldwell (2018). "Northeast". In Reidmiller, D.R.; C.W. Avery; D.R. Easterling; K.E. Kunkel; K.L.M. Lewis; T.K. Maycock; B.C. Stewart (eds.). Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States: Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II (Report). Washington, DC, USA: U.S. Global Change Research Program. pp. 669–742. doi: 10.7930/NCA4.2018.CH18 . -- this chapter of the National Climate Assessment covers Northeast states

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.