Maryland Climate Action Plan- Chapter Two: Comprehensive Assessment of Climate Change Impacts in Maryland

Chapter 2 is an assessment of the likely consequences of recent and likely climate changes in Maryland. Changes in temperature and precipitation were projected through the 21st century. In order to estimate the degree of climate change in Maryland that could be avoided by actions to reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses (GHGs), two emissions scenarios were employed. The higher emissions scenario assumes continued growth in global emissions throughout the century, while the lower emissions scenario assumes slower growth, a peak at mid-century, and thereafter a decline to about 40 per cent of present levels by the end of the century.