The University of Maine’s Climate Change Institute is launching a study of global warming’s potential impacts on the state and steps that could help Maine prepare.

Gov. John Baldacci asked for the “Maine Climate Change Assessment,” saying state policymakers need to have the best available science. The Orono-based researchers are expected to report back to Baldacci by November 2008.

The global impacts of climate change are the focus of intense scientific research, including by members of the UMaine institute who travel to places like Antarctica and Greenland to document changes in the earth's climate. A focused, regional impacts study like the one requested by Baldacci is more unusual and more difficult because of the complexities of the climate and other natural systems.

In general, researchers have said the Northeast faces warmer summers with more heat waves, droughts and extreme storms, and milder winters with less snow and more rain. Coastal damage from rising sea levels and reduced air quality are also projected here.

Baldacci asked Prof. Paul Mayewski, the institute’s director, to report back on potential climate scenarios for Maine through the end of this century, impacts and opportunities, research needs and a framework for keeping policy makers informed about climate change science.