Green house gasand its effects
Greenhouse Gases and their Sources
Certain greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), occur naturally but are amplified by human activities like driving cars, and managing the lighting, heating, and cooling of our homes and businesses, as well as waste disposal in landfills. Other greenhouse gases such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride are entirely synthetic, created by humans.
For additional details on greenhouse gases from MIT, please visit this link.
How Climate Change Impacts Northeast Florida
In recent years, Northeast Florida has faced significant extreme weather events, highlighting the impacts of our shifting climate. Such occurrences are likely to become more frequent in the future. Notable events indicative of this change include:
- Major hurricanes impacting the region, including Irma, Matthew, and Ian
- In 2023, there were 101 days in Northeast Florida where temperatures exceeded 90 degrees
- More flooding, including flash flooding, tidal flooding, and sunny day flooding
To address these challenges, Northeast Florida is proactively developing strategies to prepare for climate change. In collaboration with local partners and community members, we have crafted the Clean Air Northeast Florida Priority Climate Action Plan.
Feeling the Heat in Northeast Florida
Northeast Florida is already experiencing the effects of climate change, particularly with the intense summer heat. Future climate projections indicate that the region will become hotter and drier. By 2040, average maximum summer temperatures are expected to increase by 2.3°F compared to current levels. Additionally, the area will face 22 more days each year with temperatures exceeding 90°F, amounting to nearly an extra month of extreme heat.
Surging Seas
Northeast Florida is already experiencing the effects of climate change, particularly with the high-tide flooding. Future climate projections indicate that the region will experience up to 1 foot of sea level rise by 2050. This is affecting tropical storm and hurricane activity in the following key ways:
- Coastal flooding from storm surges is expected to increase due to rising sea levels, regardless of whether storm intensities change. By 2040, there will be 8 more high tide flooding events.
- Hurricane-associated flooding rains will become more dangerous. There has been a recent increase in larger, heavier, slower-moving storms.
- Although the average intensity of hurricanes hasn’t changed significantly, warmer ocean temperatures could lead to stronger hurricanes. More storms are reaching major hurricane strength (Category 3-5) lately, and events of rapid intensification are becoming more common.
- Hurricanes are reaching their peak intensity further from the equator and closer to land in the Atlantic, suggesting changes in their paths. The reasons for these shifts are still being studied.
Northeast florida co2 emissions by sector & bY
In 2019, transportation activities, mainly from private cars, accounted for just over one third of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Northeast Florida, making it the region's largest source of emissions. The second largest contributor was commercial energy use, which encompasses energy consumed for lighting, heating, cooling, as well as powering appliances and devices in buildings.
Join us on Friday!
Join us on Friday, February 28, from 1-2 PM (ET) for a virtual discussion with Deborah K. Thompson and Angela DeMonbreun on emissions reduction, workforce development, and funding opportunities. Don’t miss this chance to engage and explore next steps for regional climate action.