The costs of climate change.

• Position: TRENDS AND TRANSITIONS - Brief article

The changing climate could be very costly for states. Farming, forestry, water resources, tourism and transportation all may suffer losses from increasing temperatures, changes in rainfall and rising sea levels. State lawmakers are exploring ways to adapt to these changes while preventing a catastrophic rise in temperatures. Their efforts involve a broad collection of greenhouse gas reduction policies, including renewable electricity standards, energy efficiency standards, and the creation of carbon trading markets.

Although costs will vary significantly by region, the economic effect on state industries could be significant.

* The Michigan shipping industry stands to lose more than $142 million per year because of declining water levels in the Great Lakes.

* A shrinking water supply in Nevada may limit population growth and development, costing the...