Global Warming In the News

By Adam Leech

PORTSMOUTH — Severe rain and snow storms are 61 percent more frequent in New England than they were 60 years ago and 83 percent more frequent in New Hampshire alone, according to a study released Tuesday.

The Environment New Hampshire report “When it rains, it pours: global warming and the rising frequency of extreme precipitation in the United States” examined trends in the frequency of large rain and snow storms in the country since 1948.

Across the country, extreme precipitation has increased 24 percent, according to the report, but is much higher in New England states. The increased frequency in New Hampshire was second most in the country behind Rhode Island.

“At the rate we’re going, what was once the storm of the century will feel like just another downpour,” said Piper Crowell, field associate for ENH.

The study comes a day before the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee is expected to vote on amendments to the America’s Climate Security Act — a bill to strengthen pollution emission standards.

Mayor Steve Marchand called on New Hampshire’s leaders in Congress to support the environmentally and, he contends, fiscally responsible thing to do.

“We’re at a point where they’re actually one in the same; being environmentally responsible is the fiscally responsible thing to do,” said Marchand. “I urge our two U.S. senators to get on board proactively on what I feel is necessary and forward looking environmental policy.”

Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter wrote a letter in support of ENH efforts and the bill. She said if the country begins to cut down on pollution from vehicles and aggressively invests in alternative energy, emissions standards can be cut 80 percent by 2050.