Illinois
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 Illinois
Below are some of the potential impacts:
- Over the last century, the average temperature in Decatur, Illinois, has decreased 0.2°F, and precipitation has increased by up to 20% in many parts of the state.
- By 2100 temperatures in Illinois could increase by 2°F in summer (with a range of 1-4°F), 3°F in winter and spring (with a range of 1-7°F), and 4°F in fall (with a range of 2-9°F). Precipitation is estimated to increase by about 10% in winter and spring, 15-50% in fall, and 25-70% in summer.
- Higher temperatures and increased frequency of heat waves may increase the number of heat-related deaths and the incidence of heat-related illnesses. Illinois, with its irregular, intense heat waves, could be especially susceptible.
- In Illinois, agriculture is an $8 billion annual industry, three fourths of which comes from crops. Very little of the crop acreage is irrigated. The major crops in the state are corn and soybeans. Irrigated and dryland yields of corn could change little or be reduced by as much as 32%, while soybean yields could vary from a drop of 24% to an increase of 13%. Increases in climate variability could make adaptation by farmers more difficult.
- The forests and woodlands of Illinois support a variety of animals, including 80% of the mammals, 60% of the birds, and 80% of the amphibians and reptiles that inhabit the state. Climate change could cause substantial shifts in the ranges that support these species, perhaps leading to some migration of species, which would be difficult because of fragmented land use patterns. Warmer winter temperatures could increase insect populations and plant disease that could affect adversely forest ecosystems.
- Wetlands such as the riparian habitats along the Mississippi, Ohio, and other rivers and streams could be especially sensitive to climate change. Changes in precipitation could affect flooding patterns and availability of nutrients. Aquatic species that are sensitive to water temperature could be affected adversely by climate change. Habitat for fish such as smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike could be reduced.
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 Illinois in areas such as water resources, agriculture, forests and ecosystems, you can download the full pdf.
CO2: How Does Your State Rank?
Illinois 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
In the absence of federal action, many U.S. states are banding together to explore and employ greenhouse gas-reducing policies.
Illinois participates in the following:
Midwest GHG Registry
Learn about climate initiatives in all U.S. states and regions
Your Impact
Estimate your CO2 footprint by using a carbon calculator such as the one on the Inconvenient Truth web site.
How green is your energy? The EPA has a power profiler that can tell you.
