Temperatures
in the state of Georgia
were unusually warm in 2006 and are part of a trend toward warmer weather in
the area, according to a new report released today by Environment Georgia. The
average temperature in Atlanta was 1.5°F above
normal in 2006, while the average temperature in Columbus was 2.1°F above normal.
“Throw
out the record books, because global warming is raising temperatures in Georgia and
across the country,” said Jennette Gayer a Policy Advocate with Environment
Georgia. “The long-term forecast is for
more of the same unless we quickly and significantly reduce global warming
pollution from power plants and passenger vehicles,” continued Gayer.
According
to the National Climatic Data
Center, the 2006 summer
and 2006 overall were the second warmest on record for the lower 48 states. 2007 is on track to be the second warmest
year on record globally.
“Rising
temperatures can have a powerful impact on our health and will
disproportionately affect outdoor workers, the elderly,
children, low-income populations, and those suffering
from asthma, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses,” said Gayer.
To
examine recent temperature patterns in the United
States, Environment Georgia compared temperature data for
the years 2000-2006 from 255 weather stations located in all 50 states and Washington, DC
with temperatures averaged over the 30 years spanning 1971-2000, or what
scientists call the “normal” temperature.
Key
findings for Georgia
include:
•
In
2006, the average temperature was 1.5°F above normal in Atlanta
and 2.1°F above normal in Columbus. Nationally, the average 2006 temperature was
at least 0.5°F above normal at 87% of the locations studied.
•
During
the summer of 2006, the mercury hit at least 90°F on 75 days in Columbus, 21 days more than
the historical average. In Macon temperatures
reached 90°F 80 days, 19 days more than the historical average. Heat waves have serious implications for
human health, causing heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and even death.
•
In
2006 Athens experienced average maximum
temperatures—the highest temperatures recorded on a given day—of 2.7°F above normal,
Macon’s average
max was only slightly lower at 2.4°F above normal.
In
April 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change found that North America will experience significant water stress,
forest fires, and “an increased number, intensity, and duration of heat waves”
as temperatures continue to rise.
“Scientists are sounding alarm bells about the
impacts of continued global warming. But
those same scientists say we can avoid the worst effects of global warming by taking
bold action now to reduce global warming pollution,” said Gayer. “Congress can take action next week by passing
H.R. 969, the Renewable Electricity Standard.”
To avoid
the worst consequences of global warming, the United States must halt increases
in global warming emissions now, cut emissions by at least 15-20% by 2020, and
slash emissions by at least 80% by 2050.
“We
already have the technology at our fingertips to cut global warming pollution
and forge a cleaner, more secure energy future,” said Gayer.
The United States
could substantially reduce its global warming pollution by using existing
technologies to make power plants, businesses, homes, and cars more efficient
and generate more electricity from clean, renewable sources, such as wind and
solar power.
Congress
is poised to consider global warming legislation this fall. The Safe Climate Act in the House and the
Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act in the Senate are the only bills that
would reduce pollution to levels that scientists say are needed to prevent the
worst effects of global warming.
“The heat
is on Congress to take decisive action to curb global warming. To protect our environment, our economy, and
future generations, we can’t settle for less,” concluded Gayer.
