Colorado Could Be Facing a Tragedy with Global Warming

One of the most beautiful states in the nation may be facing a water shortage that could devastate the region. According the the National Wildlife Federation, Colorado's ever growing population has put a major strain on the state's water supply, and the Environment Protection Agency states that the average temperature in Colorado could rise 5 degrees by 2100.

This drastic rise in temperature could result in hotter summers for the state and melt snow top mountains faster resulting in less water flowing in streams and rivers in Colorado.

Colorado is home to over 500 different native species and rising temperatures will likely effect these animals natural habitats. A loss in this area would mean less tourism money for the state.

But the ecosystems are not the only concerns for Coloradoans. Warmer temperatures mean less snow. Ski resorts depend on the natural snow to make money during incredibly busy ski seasons. Without this snow many of these upscale ski resorts could close or find the season becoming shorter and shorter over the next several decades.

"Recent droughts in the area has left Colorado struggling with half-full reservoirs and the challenge of meeting the water need of a growing population," said a spokesperson for the National Wildlife Federation.

As we all know, with a drought comes the greater chance of fires in this region. Fires would push Colorado's native animals further and further away from their homes and risk destroying homes and businesses in the area.

The EPA also reports that the global warming could cause Colorado two major crops, corn and wheat, to fall anywhere from 8-33% due to the lack of water.

"Global Warming poses an overriding challenge to our responsibility to protect wildlife for our children's futures." Said Larry Schweiger, President & CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. "We must advance balanced solutions that work for people, wildlife and the economy to overcome this challenge."