OSU tracks weather, effects on environment

By DAVE CAMPANA

Ohio certified volunteer naturalist

COLUMBUS

It seems there are an ever-increasing number of extreme weather reports in the news.

Ohio State University has been tracking Columbus area weather and its effects on the environment and agriculture between 1951 and 2012.

Given the trends studied by NASA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the 2019 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, it is doubtful the situation has improved in the ensuing seven years.

This 60-year study shows Columbus has warmed by 2.3 degrees Fahrenheit – faster than national and global rates. By the mid-21st century, the trend shows temps rising 3 to 5 degrees. The projected change for Northeast Ohio is even more dramatic.

The growing (freeze-free) season increased by 25.5 days, and is expected to lengthen by one to two months throughout the coming century.

Some crops will flourish but, as temperatures continue to rise, that benefit will be negated by heat stress, more frequent droughts, and a greater risk from pests and diseases.

This means the potential for extremely hot days will increase with an additional three to seven weeks of 90-degree plus days, and an additional one to two weeks exceeding 95 degrees.

Air quality deteriorates with warmer temperatures increasing serious risks to public health. The effect on wildlife habitats will force animals and fish to migrate or adapt. This can only mean the biodiversity of our native plants and animals will suffer greatly.

Warmer air means the atmosphere can hold more moisture. While Columbus showed a 20 percent overall increase in total rainfall, autumn precipitation increased by more than 43 percent.

The number of days with “heavy” precipitation (1.25 inches) increased by 78 percent. That figure for NE Ohio was over 100 percent. Heavy rain can lead to flooding with an increased risk to public health and infrastructure.

The form and timing of heavy rain is expected to change, and some say has already changed as noted during last year’s weather patterns. Longer term, the number of days dry enough to plant crops may be reduced.

The result may be flash floods, more runoff, and contamination of water supplies.

If we don’t mitigate our dependence on fossil fuels, more global warming can only lead to further climate change.

To learn more about the Columbus Report, visit go.osu.edu/Columbusstudy. To learn more about the science of climate change and what you can do, go to changingclimate.osu.edu/.