As the temperatures continue to rise in Texas, the impact of climate change on everyday life is becoming increasingly apparent. The state’s State Climatologist, John Nielsen-Gammon, has predicted that there could be a 5-degree increase in average temperatures by the time climate change is addressed. This significant increase could lead to even hotter summers with temperatures potentially reaching an average of 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
According to Nielsen-Gammon, this rise in temperature has already had a cascade of effects on various aspects of everyday life in Texas. Increased health problems have emerged due to higher levels of ozone and air pollution, particularly in urban areas, which can exacerbate conditions like asthma. Changes in precipitation intensity have also led to increased wildfire risk and higher water demand, putting stress on existing infrastructure designed for different climate conditions.
The changes brought about by climate change are challenging the existing infrastructure that was built with the past climate conditions in mind. As a result, agriculture practices have also had to adapt to these new conditions. Climate change has made it more difficult for farmers to grow crops and raise livestock as they once did, leading to changes in agricultural practices and even crop failures.
Levi Long, an intern at Texas Community Health News (TCHN), is a digital media major at Texas State University studying journalism and mass communication at the School of Journalism and Mass Communication’s Translational Health Research Center. TCHN provides stories, reports, and data visualizations free to Texas newsrooms, helping journalists cover the impact of climate change on their communities effectively.
