As summer draws near in the Finger Lakes and both residents and tourists look forward to the natural beauty and activities found in the region, there is a nagging question that is on a lot of people’s minds – how will climate change affect the Finger Lakes this year and in the coming years?
It’s hard to believe that a handful of scientists, economists and politicians started to sound the alarm about climate change back in the 1950s and then it picked up steam into the 1980s. So, what’s changed since the initial warnings? Awareness and understanding have increased substantially, but what about measures to help slow down, reverse and prevent climate change? Here’s a look at some of the ways climate change is already affecting the Finger Lakes.
A Prediction of Bigger Rainfall
One of the predictions of climate change is that the region will experience bigger rainfall in the spring. Increased rainfall has all kinds of repercussions from minor to serious, but because the Finger Lakes is so well known for its Riesling wine, the weather is extremely important to its economy. Any small shift in weather patterns can negatively affect the growing season by making it shorter, yielding less viable crops and even making fewer areas ideal for growing. With all that excess rainfall, flooding also becomes a real possibility, which can spell disaster for farmers.
Excess Rain Followed by Periods of Drought
Another prediction is that these periods of excess rain may then be followed by prolonged periods of drought, putting severe limitations on crops and even the availability of fresh water in the area. The longer the drought remains, the lower the water levels will become on lakes, rivers and streams, threatening each of their ecosystems. Should these periods of drought occur during the hot summer months, which is the prediction, it can be even more damaging to the environment.
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