Table of Contents: Regional Impacts of Climate Change

I. Introduction 1

II. The Heat is On: Climate Change & Heatwaves in the Midwest 8
Kristie L. Ebi, ESS
Gerald A. Meehl, National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)

A. Introduction 8
B. Heat-Related Illnesses 8
C. Populations at Increased Risk 9
D. Projected Changes in the Frequency and Intensity of Heatwaves 11
E. Projected Health Impacts of Future Heatwaves 16
F. Adaptation Options 17

III. The Importance of Climate Change for Future Wildfire Scenarios in the Western United States 22
Dominique Bachelet, Oregon State University
James M. Lenihan and Ronald P. Neilson, U.S. Forest Service

A. Introduction 22
B. Terminology 23
C. Fire and Natural Climate Variability in the West 25
D. Fire and Humans 27
E. Fire in the 21^st Century 31
F. Conclusions 37

IV. Gulf Coast Wetland Sustainability in a Changing Climate 42
Robert R. Twilley, Louisiana State University

A. Introduction 42
B. Gulf Coast Wetlands and Water Management 44
C. Gulf Coast Wetlands in a Changing Climate 48
D. Water Management, Climate Change, and Wetland Restoration 51

V. Ramifications of Climate Change for Chesapeake Bay Hypoxia 57
Donald F. Boesch; Victoria J. Coles; David G. Kimmel; and W. David Miller, Univeristy of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

A. Introduction 57
B. Climate Variability and Hypoxia 59
C. Modeling of Future Climate Change and Ecosystem Consequences 61
D. Management Implications 66