Kentucky
Global climate change poses risks to human health and to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Important economic resources such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and water resources also may be affected. Warmer temperatures, more severe droughts and floods, and sea level rise could have a wide range of impacts. All these stresses can add to existing stresses on resources caused by other influences such as population growth, land-use changes, and pollution.
Climate Change in Kentucky
Below are some of the potential impacts:
- Over the last century, the average temperature in Frankfort, Kentucky, has decreased 1.4°F, and precipitation has increased by up to 10% in many parts of the state.
- By 2100 temperatures in Kentucky could increase by 3°F (with a range of 1-5°F) in all seasons (slightly less in summer, slightly more in fall).
- Warmer temperatures could increase the incidence of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases in Kentucky, because populations of ticks, and their rodent hosts, could increase under warmer temperatures and increased vegetation.
- The Ohio River, which forms the 644-mile northern boundary of Kentucky, is the major river in the state. Important tributaries of the Ohio in the state include the Big Sandy, Kentucky, and Green rivers. These surface waters supply most of the water needs in Kentucky. In some of the more densely populated drainage basins, streamflows are not sufficient to meet water requirements during dry years. Where available, reservoir releases are needed during these low flow periods. This situation could be exacerbated in a warmer climate. If summer rainfall remains the same or declines, then increases in temperature and evaporation could further reduce streamflows, lake levels, and groundwater levels during the critical summer months. Cities such as Frankfort and Lexington, which depend on the Kentucky River for water supplies, could be particularly vulnerable.
- The southeastern border of the state is characterized by Appalachian oak forests. The oaks of high-elevation forests are already declining because of the increasing incidence of several pests. An example is the shoestring fungus, which appears to be associated with drought conditions. Climate change could accelerate these declines. A native grassland region called the Big Barrens is another well-known ecological community. In this ecosystem, climate change could favor the spread of exotic weedy species, which spread and adapt easily.
The above are based on from the Environmental Protection Agency's report on climate change, which uses data from the Third Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2001).
For more info on climate change impacts on Kentucky in areas such as water resources, agriculture, forests and ecosystems, you can download pdf of full EPA Report.
CO2: How Does Your State Rank?
Kentucky is the highest emitter of C02 of all 50 states and the most populous.
Maps
See CO2 output by sector, coastal population maps, and maps of regional initiatives.
Regional Initiatives
This state does not participate in any regional initiatives.
Learn about climate initiatives in all U.S. states and regions
Your Impact
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