Globally: The United Nations believes that climate change is the largest global threat and predicts as rise in temperature of 3 degrees Celsius.
Meadville: Major climate change risks are increased temperature and flooding.
How does Meadville contribute to climate change and what is the city doing about it?
The city of Meadville has a Greenhouse Gas inventory, which recommends the creation of a sustainability committee. However, no further greenhouse gas inventories have been taken since. (1)(2) Meadville has also retrofitted traffic lights with LED to reduce energy consumption.
How does Allegheny College contribute to climate change and what are they doing about it?
Allegheny college has a climate neutrality goal set for 2020 as well as yearly greenhouse gas inventories. (3)
What are expected weather changes in Pennsylvania?
Climate change projections of PA include greater and more frequent storms with an increase in precipitation by 5% (currently 41 in. avg annually). Snow Storms will increase in intensity due to lake effect. (4)(5)
How are temperatures likely to change in Pennsylvania in the next 20 years?
In the next few decades, temperatures are expected to rise by an estimated 2.5° F, leading to significantly more days with temperatures above 90° F. This can result in an increase of heat related illnesses (heat stroke), reduced crop yields, and increases in pests (mosquitoes). (4)(5)
What is the largest weather risk facing Meadville due to climate change?
Flooding is likely to increase due to the increase in precipitation in Pennsylvania. Meadville currently does not have a published flood plan to address these weather pattern predictions. (5)