Global climate change is the result of the accumulation of certain types of gases in the Earth's atmosphere.  These gases are known as Green House Gases (GHG) because they trap heat in the atmosphere the same way the windows on a green house do.  The United States Environmental Protection Agency lists the main GHG as: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and fluorinated gases such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFC).  Water vapor is also an important GHG.  While carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and methane occur naturally, humans are emitting GHG at increasing rates, which has lead to levels in the atmosphere far higher than in the past.  Naturally occurring levels of GHG are vital for warming the Earth's crust to a temperature that could sustain life; without such gases the Earth would be too cold for life as we know it to occur.  Scientists are working hard to determine what the impacts on the global climate will be due to these elevated concentrations of carbon in the atmosphere.

We in New Jersey need to deal with the issue of climate change, not only because of the broader impacts to the Nation and the rest of the world, but because of the potential impacts here at home.  According to EPA documents the average temperature of New Brunswick, NJ has increased from 50.4 degrees Fahrenheit, in the years from 1884-1918, to an average temperature of 52.5 degrees between 1966 and 1995.  While this might not sound like a big increase, it is estimated that this trend will only continue if nothing is done to reduce the levels of GHG emissions.

The main threat to New Jersey is rising sea levels. With over 300 km of coastal land, and increasing population densities in coastal communities, an increase of sea level could have disastrous results. Beach erosion and coastal flooding will certainly occur if global temperatures begin to rise. Tourism is a large part of our economy, which would be negatively impacted by coastal flooding.

Climate change could also increase flooding around the state.  The deterioration of the coastal ecosystems such as barrier islands, marshes and wetlands could increase flooding in the rest of the state.  These ecosystems provide natural buffers for flood waters, but as marshes are inundated with sea water, they cannot provide this vital ecosystem service.

Rising temperatures in the State could shift the agricultural zones northward.  it is unclear how easily farmers will be able to adapt to shifting climate zones.  Climate change also affects soil temperatures, and precipitation levels.  It is not clear how increased temperatures will affect the water cycle in the state.  However, it is believed that the agricultural sector of the national economy will be hardest hit by global climate change.  Changes in precipitation might increase the acreage of land requiring irrigation, which could put further strains on the fresh water supply.

Eroding coastline, flooding, increased heat, and increased precipitation will all have an effect on New Jersey's access to fresh water, should the levels of GHG in the atmosphere continue to rise unchecked. With the rising of sea level, salt water will being to encroach on underground aquifers. Increased temperatures will cause more water to evaporate off from streams and rivers. Unless that comes back down as usable precipitation elsewhere in the State, there will be less usable water for human consumption and industry.

Changing temperatures will alter the forests in New Jersey as well.  The hardier pines will migrate northwards, and the oaks will be pushed out.  However, if the climate change is too abrupt, species of plant and wildlife might not have the time to adapt.  New Jersey is home to 24 endangered or threatened species, 11 of which are protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act.  Animal and plant species are adapted to live within a specific temperature range.  If we do not take steps now to mitigate the impacts of climate change, these species will certainly become extinct.