Scientists predict floods in New York from global warming

Jul 12, 2007, 16:38 GMT

New York - New York and several coastal cities in northeast United States would suffer a huge upsurge in floods by the end of the century if temperatures continue to rise because of global warming, the Union of Concerned Scientists said in a report published Thursday.

New York State's 3.5-billion-dollar agricultural industry, particularly its apples, could be devastated and New York City could be hit by floods every 10 years instead of every 100 years.

'The northeast can anticipate substantial - and often unwelcome or dangerous - changes during the rest of this century,' the report said. 'The very character of the northeast is at stake.'

The group warned that unless carbon dioxide emissions - the root cause of climate change - are reduced, the inundation of coastal areas in Long Island could send water to the lower parts of Manhattan, flooding subways and the financial district. Long Island lobsters could disappear or move to colder climates in New England.

The group's report said higher temperatures would increase smog and reduce air quality, affecting conditions for people with respiratory problems and allergies.

Atlantic City, a casino mecca in New Jersey, situated more than 100 kilometres south of Manhattan, could be flooded every two years by the end of the 21st century.

David Wolfe, a plant ecologist and professor at Cornell University's Department of Horticulture, said higher temperatures would harm fruit trees in New York State, which depend on a hard frost every winter to help buds and fruit production. He said maple, beech and birch trees could disappear in some regions in the state.

Dairy cows cannot produce as much milk in hot weather, when summer months are longer than normal, he said.

The Union of Concerned Scientists warned last year in a study of global warming that, by the end of the century, temperatures could rise by more than 10 degrees Fahrenheit on average and New York City could be hit by temperatures of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit on 25 days each year.