http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070107/NEWS/701070339/-1/NEWSClimate change is no longer a potential problem for us; it is happening.
We are experiencing the edges of global warming, and the decisions we make in the next five to 10 years will determine how hot and polluted our children's world will be.
This comes from scientists who have been studying the Northeast; some presented their findings at the recent Climate Change Conference in Poughkeepsie.
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Wolfe also researched which plants would thrive in our region's higher carbon climate. Topping the list is poison ivy, which not only thrives in high carbon, but also becomes more potent in the allergens that make us itch. Also happier in high-carbon climates are invasive plants like kudzu and other weeds. Unhappier? Food plants — because carbon impairs their photosynthesis ability.
Insect pests like flea beetles, gypsy moths and corn earworms thrive, too, reducing sweet corn crops significantly. And benign insects that overwinter in the soil are being heavily stressed.
Gone is the synchronicity of pests and predators. Baby birds used to hatch during peak caterpillar time, helping reduce the population of pests. The caterpillars are now on global-warming time, based on temperature rather than the length of days. Tent caterpillars caused many trees to lose their foliage this year. Gypsy moth caterpillars damaged chestnut and oak trees.