What is climate change?


Climate change affects the citizens of Maryland, their livelihoods, and the State's economy

Climate change refers to changes in weather patterns on a global, continental, regional, or local scale. On a global scale, temperatures and sea levels are rising, rainfall patterns are shifting, and wildlife habitats are changing. Climate change is increasing the number and severity of hurricanes, winter storms, droughts, and other extreme weather events.

Bayside homes in Bowleys Quarters are swamped the day after Hurricane Isabel hit Maryland. The six-foot storm surge generated by the hurricane caused extensive damage in this east Baltimore County community. Source: Crystal Payton, FEMA
Bayside homes in Bowleys Quarters are swamped the day after Hurricane Isabel hit Maryland. The six-foot storm surge generated by the hurricane caused extensive damage in this east Baltimore County community. Source: Crystal Payton, FEMA


How climate change affects Chesapeake Bay


Chesapeake Bay is one of the most vulnerable areas for climate change
Conceptual diagram illustrating the mean sea level trends at Ocean City, MD and Norfolk, VA.
Conceptual diagram illustrating the mean sea level trends at Ocean City, MD and Norfolk, VA.
The Susquehanna Flats in the upper Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Susquehanna River. The Flats are an important habitat for underwater grasses.
The Susquehanna Flats in the upper Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Susquehanna River. The Flats are an important habitat for underwater grasses.

The Chesapeake Bay has already begun to see affects like sea level rise, warming temperatures, and increased acidity. As sea level rises, erosion of coastal margins will likely increase turbidity and may decrease the extent of submerged and emergent vegetative habitats. These habitats are important nursery areas for many Chesapeake Bay and coastal Atlantic fish populations, including the striped bass.



How to adapt to climate change


THE CLIMATE SOLUTIONS NOW ACT ADVANCES CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCE

In 2009, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley signed into law the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act of 2009, which required the State to reduce greenhouse gas emissions relative to 2006 levels by 25% by 2020. Maryland exceeded that target, reaching 30% reductions in 2020. This prompted the State to strive for greater pollution reductions by passing the Climate Solutions Now Act (CSNA) in 2022. This legislation aims to achieve 60% emissions reductions relative to 2006 levels by 2031 and net-zero emissions by 2045, the most ambitious in the nation.

Pollution reductions will present benefits for Marylanders and the local ecosystem.
Pollution reductions will present benefits for Marylanders and the local ecosystem.