Reference
Abstract
Executive Summary
The earth’s climate is changing. Global average temperatures have risen 1.8° F since 1901 (Wuebbles et al., 2017). Warming temperatures are driving other environmental changes such as melting glaciers, rising sea levels, changes in precipitation patterns, and increased drought and wildfires. The magnitude of future changes will depend on the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted into our atmosphere. Without significant reductions in GHGs, global average temperatures could rise as much as 9° F over pre-industrial temperatures by the end of this century. Pima County is also experiencing climatic changes that will impact our temperatures, precipitation patterns, ecosystems, and human health and well-being.