Study Shows Global Warming Already Impacting Connecticut

(2 February 2004 — Hartford) A new study released today by Environmental Defense details the impacts that uncontrolled global warming is already having on Connecticut and its citizens, and calls for responsible, affordable action now. The study, Bracing for Climate Change in the Constitution State (www.environmentaldefense.org/go/CTclimate) shows temperatures around the state increased noticeably during the 20th century. In addition, the study finds that continued unchecked greenhouse gas pollution would lead to warmer temperatures, worsening Connecticut’s air quality and threatening public health and to rising seas that will significantly impact Connecticut’s coastal populations, threatening the state’s natural environment, commercial fisheries and broader economy.

“A global warming future for Connecticut will mean increased temperatures and higher levels of smog blanketing the state, resulting in increases in asthma attacks and heat-related illnesses. A warmer climate is also more hospitable to vector-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease and West Nile Virus,” said Environmental Defense president Fred Krupp. “Sea level rise from global warming will increase the frequency and impact of coastal flooding, eroding the state’s beaches and putting portions of I-95, the Northeast Corridor rail line, the Tweed-New Haven Airport, the University of Bridgeport, and coastal populations all at risk.”

“This study provides yet additional evidence that global warming is a major threat to Connecticut, our citizens and our environment. We can and must take appropriate steps to reduce the pollution that causes global warming. States like New York are already acting to protect their citizens; the time has come for Connecticut’s leader’s to act,” said Brooke Suter, coordinator, Connecticut Climate Coalition and director, Clean Water Action Connecticut.

“Transportation produces 39% of Connecticut’s greenhouse gas pollution, so passing the Connecticut Clean Cars bill will reduce the global warming threat and protect our children’s future,” said Don Strait, executive director, Connecticut Fund for the Environment. “New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts have already adopted the clean cars program, and it’s time for Connecticut to step up to the plate and join the rest of the Northeast in taking action to cut greenhouse gas pollution.”

State Senator Don Williams (D-Killingly), Senate Co-Chair of the General Assembly’s Environment Committee and lead sponsor of the Clean Cars Bill called the study “a powerful reminder that we have an obligation to our citizens and especially our children to deal with the threat from global warming,” Williams said. “We will not let the turmoil in Hartford keep us from taking dramatic steps to make Connecticut a healthier place to live and raise a family. The Clean Cars Bill is at the top of our agenda.”

With more than 3 million members, Environmental Defense Fund creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships to turn solutions into action. edf.org