Shocked by rising food prices? Get used to it -- and be ready for water shortages, too, says the U.S. Department of Agriculture report cataloged effects thought by scientists to be likely over the next 25 to 50 years on agriculture, land and water.
Although not all the effects of climate change will be bad, many seeming pluses actually aren't, the research team said. For example, more carbon dioxide makes plants grow faster. But, "as they grow quicker, they are generally going to be smaller plants," said Jerry Hatfield, of the Agriculture Department's Agricultural Research Service.
Grain crops may benefit from warmer temperatures, growing more quickly -- but could be endangered by more heat waves or other climate disruptions. Horticultural crops such as tomatoes, onions and fruit are more likely to be affected than grains.
"Let's acknowledge that we are heading into uncharted territory," said Jeff Koenings, a scientist who leads the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. Clearly, he said, salmon runs are an indication of a struggling ecosystem and "something is going on," but more research is needed to pinpoint the precise effect.
One of the scientists, UW marine scientist Terrie Klinger, tried to emphasize the uncertainty and said it is possible that some marine species may actually benefit from higher acidity. Small comfort, Inslee said.
"This is not a problem of tomorrow but a problem for today," said Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash., noting that nearly 10 percent of protein in the human diet is from the oceans. "It just scares the heck out of me."
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