FEDERAL CLIMATE REPORT - Texas is among the states hit hardest by climate change. That's according to a federal report released Friday. Forecasts in the "National Climate Assessment" suggest natural weather events common in the state --- like hurricanes and heat waves --- will increase in intensity and frequency.
John Nielson-Gammon is the Texas state climatologist with Texas A&M University who worked on the study. He told public radio's Texas Standard the supply of water, food and energy is also of growing concern.
Climate change is going to really force the state to make some trade-offs into who gets what water and how that gets distributed.," explained Nielson-Gammon. "That's the biggest economic impact, I think, on the short term."
The report also highlighted state policies that are effectively managing the effects of climate change -- such as the statewide master plan to protect the Texas Gulf Coast against storms and other hazards.
