Arizona and the southeast region of the US is already being impacted by Climate Change. The average temperature is already 1.8° hotter since 1970.  Some of the other impacts include the following:

• Dramatic rise in extreme heat and humidity

• Extended mosquito seasons

• Increases in heat index days above 105°

• By 2050 the severity of widespread summer drought is projected to more than triple in AZ.

• Phoenix is 2nd fastest warming city in the US (Miami is 1st)

• Declining snowfall in mountain regions resulting in reduced surface water.

• Increased difficulty in administration of water rights.

• Increased water demand to crops as temperatures rise.

• Increased extreme weather events.

• Higher wildfire potential.

• Reduced air quality in metropolitan areas.

• Increases in serious illness and death due to heat stress.

• Increased chances of brownouts and power outages.

These are just a few of the effects to Arizona and the southwest region. Other systems impacted include ecosystems, organisms, human health, agriculture, infrastructure and the overall economy.

Presentation will focus on the questions,
“Must we change,” “Can we change,” and “Will we change.”

After the presentation we will have a hands-on brainstorming session to discuss three main sources of green house gasses: Energy, Transportation, and Food.