State Environmental Officials Warn of Dire Climate Change Consequences

Connecticut environmental officials are warning of dire consequences from climate change to agriculture, dams and levees, waterfront habitats and public health.

A report by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection says, for example, that rising sea levels will leave Hammonasset Beach State Park, among Connecticut's most popular parks, mostly inundated by sea water by the end of the century.

Most agriculture in Connecticut is likely to be "highly impacted" by climate change "and most of these potential impacts are negative," the report said.

Changes in temperature and the abundance of rain or lack of it could cut production of maple syrup, dairy, warm weather produce, shellfish and apples and pears.

Connecticut was hit by three major storms between August 2011 and October 2012. This summer, four weak tornadoes touched down in Connecticut.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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