Climate change effects Northern Nevada - KOLO

Climate change effects Northern Nevada

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) - Even though we just saw a huge snowstorm move through the area, Nevada State Climatologist Thomas Albright says Nevada could see increasing temperatures, extreme droughts, and higher snow lines.

Albright says:

“Unfortunately, the trends going forward are really clear, that we are going to see less snow cover reliably over the years, it’s not to say we won’t have any big events.”

A warming climate doesn’t mean a lack of extreme storms they just might look a bit different:

“Storms could even be fueled by the extra warmth of the pacific. It is a lot warmer right now and that adds energy to the storms and if the water is warmer the water vapor holding capacity if warmer, and for decades scientists have been saying that we should prepare to see more extreme storms with a warming climate,” says Albright.

One of the biggest impacts is on agriculture here in Nevada.

“The agricultural sector here in Nevada is feeling this is a big way. Fortunately, we are out of drought right now we’ve been teetering on the edge on the edge of it,” says Albright.

Albright says there are ways to help mitigate contributions to greenhouse gases: installing solar energy, biking, or walking to work, increasing pedestrian and bike pathways, and creating more green spaces and adding more tree cover in city limits.

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