PORTLAND—The average temperature in Portland was 3.1° F above average in 2006, according to a new report released today by Environment Maine. Environment Maine said this warmer-than-normal weather is indicative of what Maine can expect with continued global warming.
“Throw out the record books, because global warming is raising temperatures in Maine and across the country,” said Environment Maine Advocate Matthew Kendo. “The long-term forecast is for more of the same unless we quickly and significantly reduce global warming pollution from power plants and passenger vehicles,” continued Kendo.
According to the National Climatic Data Center, the 2006 summer and 2006 overall were the second warmest on record for the lower 48 states. 2007 is on track to be the second warmest year on record globally.
To examine recent temperature patterns in the United States, Environment Maine compared temperature data for the years 2000-2006 from 255 weather stations located in all 50 states and Washington, DC with temperatures averaged over the 30 years spanning 1971-2000, or what scientists call the “normal” temperature.
Key findings for Maine include: • In 2006, the average temperature was 3.1° F above normal in Portland. Nationally, the average 2006 temperature was at least 0.5°F above normal at 87% of the locations studied.
• In 2006, Portland experienced average maximum temperatures — the highest temperatures recorded on a given day — of 2.1° F above normal. During the summer, average maximum temperatures were 0.3° F above normal.
• Over the course of 2006, Portland experienced three days where the temperature hit at least 90°F, more than the historical average. Heat waves have serious implications for human health, causing heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and even death.
• Portland experienced average minimum temperatures — the lowest temperatures recorded on a given day, usually at night — of 3.4° F above normal in 2006 and 3° F above normal during the 2006 summer. Warmer nighttime temperatures exacerbate the public health effects of heat waves, since people need cooler nighttime temperatures to recover from excessive heat exposure during the day.
• Portland’s above-average temperatures in 2006 are part of a broader warming trend since 2000. Between 2000 and 2006, the average temperature was 46° F above the 30-year average in Portland. Nationally, the average temperature during this seven year period was at least 0.5°F above normal at 87% of the locations studied.
In April 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change found that North America could experience significant water stress, forest fires, and “an increased number, intensity, and duration of heat waves” as temperatures continue to rise.
“Scientists are sounding alarm bells about the impacts of continued global warming,” stated Kendo. “The good news is that those same scientists say we can avoid the worst effects of global warming by taking bold action now to reduce global warming pollution,” continued Kendo.
To avoid the worst consequences of global warming, the United States must halt increases in global warming emissions now, cut emissions by at least 15-20% by 2020, and slash emissions by at least 80% by 2050.
“The better news is that we have the technology at our fingertips to cut global warming pollution and forge a cleaner, more secure energy future,” said Kendo.
The United States could substantially reduce its global warming pollution by using existing technologies to make power plants, businesses, homes, and cars more efficient and generate more electricity from clean, renewable sources, such as wind and solar power.
Congress is poised to consider global warming legislation this fall. The Safe Climate Act in the U.S. House and the Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act in the U.S. Senate are the only bills that would reduce pollution to levels that scientists say are needed to prevent the worst effects of global warming.
“The heat is on Congress to take decisive action to curb global warming,” stated Kendo. “Environment Maine commends Representative Tom Allen for co-sponsoring the Safe Climate Act. He cannot settle for less,” concluded Kendo.
Kendo was joined by Kyle Noonan, Representative to Tom Allen. Noonan delivered remarks on the Congressman’s behalf stating, “I’m proud to be an original cosponsor of the Safe Climate Act, the most aggressive legislation currently before Congress to combat global climate change. Our legislation creates a cap and trade system, across all sectors of the economy, for the control and reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. From the Energy and Commerce Committee, on which I serve, I look forward to moving this and other critical climate change legislation to passage.”
Environment Maine is a statewide, citizen-based environmental advocacy organization.
