As governments get ready to spend federal stimulus dollars, a scientific panel recommends planning ahead for a warmer and wetter climate.
Most climate scientists predict that global temperatures will continue to go up, and that in some locations, including parts of Wisconsin, there will be more rainfall and flooding problems. A panel convened by the National Academy of Sciences and other agencies recommends that government and civic leaders pay attention to the climate forecasts. Panel member Jonathan Patz, a professor of environmental studies at the UW-Madison, says for example, sewage treatment plants may need to be bigger. He says if changes arenâ??t made, more contaminants could get into surface water. (Fifth item.)