Global Warming News

Richmond, VA – Global warming could cost corn growers in Virginia nearly $5 million a year, according to a new report by Environment Virginia.  Nationwide the damages to America’s largest crop total more than $1.4 billion annually.  Corn is just one crop that will be negatively affected by global warming unless the Senate takes decisive action to repower America with clean energy and reduce global warming pollution.

“Corn likes it cool, but global warming is raising temperatures in Virginia and across the nation,” said Environment Virginia Advocate J.R. Tolbert.  “Hotter fields will mean lower yields for corn, and eventually, the rest of agriculture.”

Despite conventional wisdom that global warming is good for agriculture in the United States, scientists expect that temperature increases due to global warming will hurt corn production.  In fact, research from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the Carnegie Institution shows that temperature changes consistent with global warming are already harming corn production worldwide.

The coalition also pointed out the dangers associated from global warming for other parts of the agricultural industry.  The threats posed from not taking action on climate change include shifts in growing seasons with natural crops disappearing in some areas, increasingly stressed and unreliable water supplies, decreased livestock growth and increases in pests, diseases and weeds from abnormal precipitation occurrences.

The groups did point out that not all news is bad news however, as the American Clean Energy and Security Act positions agriculture in a key role for combating global warming and rebuilding our economy with clean energy.

“Agriculture has a huge opportunity to be part of building a clean energy economy,” said Gary Scott, President of the Virginia Association for Biological Farming. “Wind turbines, solar panels, environmentally sustainable biomass, and climate friendly farming practices on agricultural land can help break American dependence on fossil fuels.”

The news for farmers and the Virginia economy is good news as we transition to a clean energy economy.  With increased investment in solar and environmentally sustainable biomass the farms of Virginia can become centers for economic investment.  Companies, such as Piedmont BioProducts, are already leading the way by creating energy that is rooted in the local economy.

Additionally, analysis conducted by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy estimates that the agricultural industry could save more than $1 billion annually from energy efficiency.  Farmers can qualify for federal tax credits by purchasing energy-efficient appliances and renewable energy systems, helping to make their homes and farms more efficient while also saving money on energy bills.

Jim Gould, Conservation Coordinator for Virginia Sierra Club said, “Big Oil, Dirty Coal, and other polluters are fighting to maintain the status quo, but now is the time for change.  We need to unleash the power of clean energy to rebuild our economy and solve global warming.  We urge Senators Webb and Warner to vote for a strong clean energy bill that invests in Virginia’s future and speeds the transition to a clean energy economy.”