The problem

Increase in greenhouse gas emissions

Like windows in a greenhouse, carbon dioxide in the earth's atmosphere traps the sun's heat and insulates the planet. Minnesota's carbon dioxide emissions have increased 37 percent over the past 20 years, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are warming the planet. Carbon dioxide comes primarily from the burning of fossil fuels, such as exhaust from vehicles and coal burned to generate electricity. Changes in the climate pose significant environmental and economic threats to communities in Minnesota and throughout the world.

Warmer temperatures

Minnesota has warmed an average of 1 degree Fahrenheit during the past century. Parts of northern Minnesota have warmed 5 degrees Fahrenheit or more during the winter months. As the warming continues, northern cities like Hibbing may develop climates more similar to the current climate of Albert Lea or Des Moines, Iowa.

What effect could a change of a few degrees have on Minnesota?

Pine and aspen forests disappear

  • The unique north woods will eventually be replaced by forests of oak, ash and other trees.
  • Decline in the extent of forested areas by as much as 50 - 70 percent.
  • Replacement of Minnesota's forests and woodlands by grasslands and savanna in much of the state.

Water resources stressed

  • Increased lake evaporation in the summer and decreased length of ice cover on in the winter could reduce lake levels and degrade water quality.
  • Reduced groundwater resources, a large source of drinking water, due to drop in stream flow and lake levels.

Extreme rainfall

  • Some areas of the state will experience heavier rainfall and flooding while other parts will face extreme drought.
  • Precipitation has already increased by 20 percent in the southern half of the state since 1900. Minnesota's climate could become wetter and more humid, more closely resembling the current climate of Missouri.

Wimpy winters

  • Milder winters with less snow will decrease opportunities for winter recreation.

Heat waves, smog and disease

  • Increase in heat waves and extremely hot summer days, which could result in an increase in the incidence of heat-related illness and death.
  • Expanded territory of disease-carrying insects, particularly mosquitoes.

Trouble for trout and moose

  • Loss of habitat for cold-loving creatures such as trout and moose would cause the decline of these species in Minnesota.
  • Reduction in the size and number of prairies due to possible drying. Minnesota prairies are the most important breeding ground for North American waterfowl.
    Extinction of numerous plant and animal species in the next 100 years.

Visit the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency website for more information on the science of climate change and the effects in Minnesota.