Najjar cited data from the U.S. Historical Climatology Network database that was compiled from 15 weather stations spread across the basin. The air temperature acceleration, he said, “really stood out” as the rise over the past three decades occurred as quickly as the rise over 300 years prior.
Overall, the report rates the health of the river basin as “fair,” given positive trends such as cleaner water, restoration projects, dam removal, and increases in wildlife, such as ospreys, blue crabs, and sturgeons.Modeling suggests some parts of the basin would be 12.6 degrees warmer at the end of the century compared to the period of 1986 to 2015 if greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase, the PDE report notes. But, even if gasses decline, temperatures would still rise 7.2 degrees.
“This shows how social justice issues interact very clearly with climate change,” Najjar said. “Those that are getting affected by climate change are most vulnerable.”Sea level rise not only impacts the Atlantic Coast, but up through the tidal Delaware. Overall, the report states, sea level rise contributes to property damage, beach and dune loss; pushes in saltwater that kills forests, and causes public safety issues during floods.