English: Learn more at http://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/071714midwest

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) held a briefing examining the current and projected impacts of climate change in the Midwest, as well as strategies being developed to mitigate the associated risks. Speakers:

Rosina Bierbaum Professor of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy, University of Michigan; National Climate Assessment Author Download Slides: http://www.eesi.org/files/Rosina-Bierbaum-071714.pdf

James Brainard Mayor, Carmel, IN; Member of White House Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience Download Slides: http://www.eesi.org/files/James-Brainard-071714.pdf

Larry Falkin Director of the Office of Environment & Sustainability, City of Cincinnati, OH Download Slides: http://www.eesi.org/files/Larry-Falkin-071714.pdf

Jeremy Emmi Managing Director, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Download Slides: http://www.eesi.org/files/Jeremy-Emmi-071714.pdf

The Midwest (defined in the National Climate Assessment as Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio) has about 20 percent of the nation's population, and produces 19 percent of the nation's GDP. According to the Third National Climate Assessment (NCA), climate change has wide-reaching impacts in the region, affecting the agricultural industry, the Great Lakes, northern forests, the energy system, and public health, generally in detrimental ways. In addition, the Midwest's economy is highly energy-intensive, releasing 22 percent more greenhouse gas emissions per capita than the U.S. average. Briefing speakers discussed how reducing emissions and taking action to improve the resilience and adaptation of Midwest communities, businesses, and farms can help mitigate climate change-exacerbated economic and social stresses.

Midwest agriculture had a value of $135.6 billion and produced 65 percent of U.S. corn and soybeans in 2012, but faces a 19 percent decline by mid-century without action to mitigate the impacts of climate change [according to the Risky Business Report, commissioned by Michael Bloomberg, Henry Paulson and Tom Steyer]. Future crop yields and economic activity in the region are threatened by increasing numbers of floods, droughts, heat waves, and late spring freezes. The Midwest is also home to a thriving tourism industry, drawn to the Great Lakes and northern forests. However, pollution and the pressure of invasive species, compounded by changing pest and disease prevalence, is disturbing these ecosystems. Forest composition is changing, and the Great Lakes are experiencing increased algal blooms which harm water quality, habitats and aesthetics.

Public health is a risk issue as well, as a majority of the Midwest's population lives in cities which will experience increased humidity, heat waves and flooding, as well as worsening air and water quality. During 2011, eleven of the fourteen $1 billion+ weather-related disasters affected the Midwest. The NCA projects an increase in the frequency and intensity of these extreme weather events.