New York State Climate Impacts Assessment Addresses Effects on Agriculture

New York’s governor Kathy Hochul announced the release of the technical chapters of the Understanding and Preparing for Our Changing Climate Study, designed to help New Yorkers improve resilience and adaptation in the face of climate change. The multi-year scientific study, led by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, has eight technical chapters covering how various economic sectors can address rising temperatures and increasing frequency of extreme weather events. Chapter 3, on agriculture, notes that as the climate changes, New York State’s farmers face hazards such as too little or too much precipitation, rising temperatures, and increasing pressure from pests. The chapter examines climate impacts on New York State’s agriculture by commodity, identifies vulnerable populations and systems, explores adaptation strategies and opportunities for positive change, and summarizes emerging research needs.