Luther College professor among 138 Iowa scientists signing a statement on climate change

Laura Peterson

Luther College Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Environmental Studies Laura Peterson has joined 137 other Iowa scientists to sign a statement on climate change.

The statement says, "We have confidence in recent findings that climate change is real and having an impact on the economy and natural resources ofIowa. We feel that it is important for citizens of Iowa to understand its implications. Iowans are living with climate change now and it is costing us money already. The drought that we are currently experiencing is consistent with an observed warmer climate, although science cannot say with certainty that the drought of 2012 was caused directly by human activities."

Peterson and the 137 others state that "there is clear statistical evidence that extreme high temperatures are occurring disproportionately more than extreme low temperatures. The climate likely will continue to warm due to increasing global emissions and accumulation of greenhouse gases."

The scientists predict more dry periods in the future, as well as an increasing frequency of intense rains.   The scientists predict Iowans will increasingly need to spend money on infrastructure to adapt to these climate fluctuations.

The complete climate change statement is available at: http://www.engineering.uiowa.edu/news/2012-iowa-scientists-drought-consistent-climate-change