What Is and Is Not Known About Climate Change in Illinois: the Scientific Perspective

Abstract

This document summarizes previously published findings from various studies concerning 1) the potential future climate conditions for Illinois, and 2) the possible range of physical effects, economic impacts, and adjustments related to future changes in the state's climate. This document prepared in mid-1993 attempts to identify what is and is not known about the climate change issue as it relates to Illinois. Among the many problems now facing the environment, potential global warming due to global burning of fossil fuels, and the resultant greenhouse effect, rank at the top. Currently, fossil fuels supply about 80 percent of the energy we generate for heating and cooling in Illinois. While a general warming trend may not be too serious in itself, accompanying shifts in the amounts and distribution of rainfall and snowfall, changes in the levels of the Great Lakes, and the possibility of a forced change in the distribution biota such as forests, row crops, and wildlife would challenge the resourcefulness and resiliency of future generations (Changnon, 1989a, 1989b).