Preliminary findings from the Mid-Atlantic regional assessment

Abstract

This paper summarizes (1) the major positive and negative climate change impacts likely in the Mid-Atlantic Region (MAR), (2) options to make the MAR more resilient to climate change, and (3) priorities for improving such regional assessments. Major findings include: (1) the MAR economy is likely to be reasonably resilient to a somewhat warmer, wetter climate, although there could be substantial impacts on the region's ecosystems and some people will gain while others lose because of climate change; and (2) many cost-effective actions could be taken now to protect and enhance the quality of life in the MAR that would have side benefits of reducing vulnerability to climate variability and change.