Climate change
Climate change is expected to have direct and indirect impacts on Illinois. As climate change warms the atmosphere, altering the hydrologic cycle, changes to the amount, timing, form, and intensity of precipitation will continue. More information on the effects of climate change in Illinois can be found in the following documents.
 |
Floods are becoming more frequent, and ice cover on the Great Lakes is forming later or melting sooner. In the coming decades, the state will have more extremely hot days, which may harm public health in urban areas and corn harvests in rural areas. Read more in USEPA's report: What Climate Change Means for Illinois United States Environmental Protection Agency |
|
In this issue overview, we explore problems that will likely face Illinois policymakers and voters in years to come. First, we look at the likely changes to Illinois’ climate, and then explain some of the implications of these changes. In particular, we highlight the greater demand for electricity, increases in heat-related deaths and illnesses, higher cost of flood and crop insurance, changes in agricultural production patterns, and opportunities for investment in transportation and water resources infrastructure. Read more in Preparing for Climate Change in Illinois: An Overview of Anticipated Impacts Institute of Government & Public Affairs |
 |