Climate change in Nebraska

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) reported that "climate change poses significant risks to Nebraska's economy, environment and citizens".

[1] This view is expanded upon by the United States Environmental Protection Agency: "Nebraska's climate is changing.

[2] The UNL report similarly identifies the main concerns for climate change in Nebraska as "increases in temperatures and the number of flooding and drought incidents".

Soils will probably continue to become drier, because warmer temperatures increase evaporation and water use by plants, and average rainfall during summer is likely to decrease.

Decreased river flows can create problems for navigation, recreation, public water supplies, and electric power generation.

Lower flows during a summer drought can reduce hydroelectric power generation at a time of year when warmer temperatures increase the demand for electricity for air conditioning.

[2] "Rising temperatures and changes in rainfall are likely to have both negative and positive effects on Nebraska’s farms and ranches.

[2] UNL has noted that the effects of climate change on specific large bodies of water like the Platte River "have raised alarms for the agricultural community".

Rising concentrations of greenhouse gases tend to increase humidity, and thus atmospheric instability, which would encourage tornadoes.