Climate change in Vermont

The state is already seeing effects of climate change that affect its ecosystems, economy and public health.

Throughout the northeastern United States, spring is arriving earlier and bringing more precipitation, heavy rainstorms are more frequent, and summers are hotter and drier.

In the coming decades, changing climate is likely to harm ecosystems, disrupt agriculture and winter recreation, and increase some risks to human health".

Rising temperatures will melt snow earlier in spring and increase evaporation, and thereby dry the soil during summer and fall.

Warmer temperatures allow deer populations to increase, leading to a loss of forest underbrush, which makes some animals more vulnerable to predators.

The loss of hemlock trees would remove the primary habitat for the blue-headed vireo and Blackburnian warbler.

[5] Similarly the Emerald ash borer has expanded north into Vermont forests capitalizing on the warming winters.

[4] Vermont has a largely rural and small town economy, which depends heavily on tourism and agriculture.

Changing climate may reduce the output of Vermont's US $700-million dairy industry, which provides 70 percent of the state’s farm revenue.

[5] Warmer temperatures are likely to shift the suitable habitat for sugar maples farther north into Canada.

[8] The lack of cool temperatures and "freeze days" will negatively effect crops like blueberries, apples, and balsam firs.

[4] The EPA has noted that a decline in snowfall would shorten the season during which the ground is covered with snow, which could harm recreational industries like skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling, and local economies that depend on them.

[8] The state is already seeing increases in tick-borne and mosquito-born diseases, emergency room visits for heat related illness, and allergens:[10] 2019 was the hottest summer on record in many parts of Vermont, and saw increased heat related illnesses.

Green Mountain Power, the main provider of energy in the state, is 60% renewable and 90% carbon free.

Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States: Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II (Report).