David Chapman, a University of Utah geologist and dean of the graduate school, said the historic evidence points to a warming climate.
"There is little room for argument over whether the world has warmed significantly," said Chapman, who is involved in research recording temperatures deep inside bore holes.
Heat from the Earth's surface slowly moves down through rock in waves. Data gathered at 100 meters, or 328 feet, underground represent the surface temperature 100 years ago. A point nearly 1,000 feet below the surface corresponds to temperatures 1,000 years ago.
Temperatures aren't the only thing on the rise. Carbon dioxide levels are at their highest point in thousands of years, a problem linked to increasing temperatures, he said.
These problems may only grow worse when looking at world population projections. Within 60 years, there could be about 10 billion people. He said without changes, many of these people will rely on energy derived from burning fossil fuels, a major contributor to global warming.
Chapman said carbon dioxide levels could continue to soar past their current record numbers without action. Any solutions taken now could take decades to help, as carbon dioxide particles linger in the atmosphere for at least 200 years. Most global climate simulations show warmer temperatures are likely for Utah and other Western states. Even without any changes in precipitation, that warming could extend the growing season for farmers, said Fred Wagner, an emeritus professor from Utah State University.
But many warmer Utah scenarios are grim. Warmer temperatures would bring problems for wildlife. Higher temperatures can expand the range of parasites, such as the mountain pine beetle, to places where trees have no defenses against such invaders.
Some species may be forced to new territory, while others might disappear, he said.
Dianne Nielson, executive director of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, said the 24-member panel will examine the issues surrounding global warming to make recommendations on what steps Utah could take.
glavine@sltrib.com
