Climate Change

Maps show the likely minimum temperature increase in both winter and summer over the next 75 years. Rising temperatures will impact growing seasons, crop choices and irrigation requirements, especially on the Colorado Plateau and upper Central and High Plains Predicting rainfall/snowfall change is difficult (not mapped), but it's certain less snow will fall Climate change will increase: evaporation from reservoirs and rivers (reducing agriculture's water supply); growing seasons (while water availability decreases); and the number, intensity and length of inter-storm droughts. It will stress groundwater supplies that compensate for higher evaporation rates; magnify the virulence of warm-temperature pests, heat damage and invasive plants; increase wind erosion and soil erosion; and more. Agriculture contributes about 10% to NM greenhouse gas emissions.

Dreams: reduce emissions (especially from CAFOs and plowing); maximize carbon-sinks; localize the food system; create "green" greenhouse year-round production; and help farms and ranches adapt to the inevitable climate change.