Climate change economics.

• Author: Stewart, Heather Dawn
• Position: From the Editor

Climate change dominated the headlines over the summer, with two new reports illustrating the impacts that are already being felt in the United States, from severe drought in California to flooding in the South--and all kinds of wacky weather in between.

Utah is not immune from climate change either. According to the Utah Climate Center, during the past four decades global average temperatures have increased about 0.27 degrees Fahrenheit each decade. Here in Utah, it's warmed twice as much.

Climate change is an environmental issue, it's a social issue--and it's also an economic development issue. A brief look at the potential results of unchecked climate change illustrates how it could devastate our state. For example, continuing climate change would mean shorter ski seasons, with reduced snowfall overall. The American Meteorological Society says there has already been a 9 percent increase in the amount of precipitation that fell as rain instead of snow in Utah's mountains. Research conducted by the National Center for Atmospheric Research indicates that springtime snowstorms will be a distant memory within 50 years.

These reduced snow packs will diminish the state's water supply as well. On top of that, the EPA warns climate change will lead to lengthy, severe droughts in the Southwest, paired with subsequent reductions in water reserves. -Combining this water scarcity with our projected population growth is a recipe for disaster. The state's population is projected to double by 2050. That means twice as many people driving cars and running air conditioners. The Wasatch Front already struggles to maintain healthy air during hot, sunny summer days. With more days of hot weather each year will come more days...