Scientists say some climate models suggest the Rockies could see an average temperature increase of up to 8 degrees by 2100. With that warming trend, several scenarios emerge about its possible effects, ranging from more precipitation to less.
But under any scenario, climate change will cause disruptions that could reverberate through the economy.
Ski areas could see shortened seasons as more precipitation falls in form of rain rather than snow.
Costly new dams and reservoirs could be needed to capture rain because our current system is based largely on snowpack.
A scenario of increased precipitation could accommodate a doubling of the region's current population over the century and would be good for agriculture. But increased rain or snow also might mean more money needed for such things as flood control.
The worst scenario for Utah would be decreased precipitation. That could mean a steep decline of farming and ranching and would harm the outdoor recreation industry. It could lessen economic and population growth.
- The Salt Lake Tribune
