DURHAM, N.H., Oct. 28 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists are warning that global warming could bring an end to the traditional displays of colorful autumn leaves in New England.
Scientists at the University of New Hampshire said the region's once glorious autumnal forest leaf displays could disappear altogether in as little as 100 years if climate change continues on its current path. In addition, they said, climate-related factors already are undercutting such traditional New England industries, such as maple-syrup production.
"Just 40 or 50 years ago, New England and New York produced about 80 percent of the world's maple syrup," Barrett Rock, UNH professor of natural resources. "Now, that ratio has been reversed as the optimal sugar maple growing and tapping conditions have shifted north to areas that are still cold enough in the fall and winter for optimal production."
Rock noted projections set out three years ago of expected climate change impacts appear to have been right on track or even a bit on the conservative side. Reports forecast a shift in temperatures of 6 degrees to 10 degrees over the next 100 years.
