A Synthesis of Potential Climate Change Impacts on the U.S.

Foreword ii

Executive Summary iii

I. Introduction 1

II. Key Findings on Vulnerability in the Pew Center’s Environment Series 4

III. Key Uncertainties and Limitations 6

IV. National Impacts by Sector 10

A. Agriculture 10
B. Water Resources 11
C. Coastal Communities 12
D. Human Health 13
E. Terrestrial Ecosystems 14
F. Forestry 15
G. Aquatic Ecosystems 16

V. Synthesis of National Impacts 18

VI. Regional Impacts 20

A. Northeast 20
B. Midwest 21
C. Southeast 22
D. Southern Great Plains 22
E. Southwest 23
F. Northwest 24

VII. Synthesis of Regional Impacts 25

VIII. Damage Estimates for the United States 26

IX. Conclusions 34

Endnotes 37

References 39