OUR TASKS AS INDIVIDUALS AND A COMMUNITY

Sea level is expected to rise about 20 inches here by 2050, which will force us to protect existing assets or, if necessary, retreat from the shoreline

In addition to sea level rise, more frequent and powerful storms are likely to bring flooding to low-lying areas and to flood places that were safe in earlier days.

Average summer temperatures are expected to rise significantly, presenting mortal threats to the very old and very young--and misery for everybody else.

We risk prolonged droughts in our area that may curtail water use and kill trees that we rely on for shade.

Droughts and excess heat around the world are likely to harm agriculture and  food supplies, even as the global population grows. A likely result is sharp increases in the cost of food.

Sea level rise, more powerful storms, and neighborhood flooding will cause damage to buildings and the risk of much more damage in the future. Everybody's insurance rates will rise, and rates for people in high-risk zones will soar.

The effects of climate change are expected to be most extreme in equatorial regions, potentially driving hundreds of millions of people to seek safety and prosperity elsewhere.  New Haven has long been a magnet for immigrants and refugees.