The Importance Of Climate Change In Arizona

Arizona is known for its scorching summers and beautiful landscapes. In the summer months, the temperature is known to soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but that does not stop the large droves of tourist from visiting natural landmarks such as The Grand Canyon and The Painted Desert. Most people (including myself) who call themselves “Arizonians” are aware of these high temperatures and have adjusted their lifestyles to them. Yet, models pertaining to climate change show that in the future these temperatures will rise (Bahre & Shelton, 501). This rise in temperature will affect Arizona’s agriculture, environment, and people. The increase in temperature will produce no winners. The climate change in Arizona will complicate lives for the people
Northern Arizona has mountains along with snow pacts. Snow pacts are vital to any ecosystem. Snowpack steadily provides water for communities in summer, recharges groundwater systems, coordinates fish migration, and sets paths for streams. In addition, tourism is a vital part of the Northern Arizona economy. Snowy mountains for skiing, high snow lines, long winters, and beautiful snow landscapes are thus important to tourism and the economy. Snowpack sets up the scene for making money in tourism communities. In data accumulated over 75 years by the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service an overall decrease in snowpack and quickened pack melt was shown. (Ffolliott & Gottfreid, 1). This data aligns with other studies in Western states concerning snowpack. Although, this is no new trend. One study estimates that between 1950-1999, 60% of “detrimental” changes in Western US snowpack as well as river flows and winter temperatures were due to human related climate change (Bolin et al., 270). Snowpack melt is attributed to high temperatures which is partially due to an increase in greenhouse gases. Thus, if greenhouse gases continue to be emitted the melting patterns will continue. (Mote et al.) Unfortunately, if these trends continue, there will be serious problems for the economy, ecosystem, and people of Northern
Climate change will most likely worsen conditions in Arizona. Future climate change bears snowpack melt, drought, and decrease in precipitation as well as water supply. The state needs to prepare itself and its residents for living and adapting to future climate change. Yet, residents can also act now to prepare themselves for future climate change. When Arizonians do their parts to live ecofriendly lifestyles, they can help lessen the intensity of the effects of climate change. Measures like using less water in the home, landscape, and agriculture will help citizens adjust to future drought. In addition, lessening greenhouse gas emissions would be beneficial due to its contribution in temperature rise. Actions like these will not reverse impending climate change yet it may be able to chip away at the intensity of it. Thus, making citizens aware of future climate change and eco-friendly lifestyles is vital. Awareness about rising temperatures may cause citizens to reconsider their current lifestyles. Unfortunately, Arizona is not alone concerning rising temperatures and their looming effects. As the IPCC reports, the Southwest could have average annual temperature increase by 4.5-9 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the century (Bolin et al., 270). This issue affects many people and thus action and awareness needs begin