Home to some of the oldest colonial settlements, dramatic displays of fall foliage, and abundant recreational opportunities, the Northeast could face several challenges if its climate changes as models project. The changes in temperature and precipitation that these climate models suggest have the potential to affect the health of those living in and visiting this region; some of its industries; and many of its coastal communities, which coexist with an encroaching sea.

Although care should be taken in acting on results from models, which can provide reasonable estimates at a global scale but not necessarily at a regional scale, the uncertainties about future climate projections are not only a consequence of model short comings. Many uncertainties arise due to limitations in the ability to project societal contributions to future levels of greenhouse gases and sulfate aerosols. The models help in formulation of ‘what if' scenarios and are a useful exercise because they set-up plausible future outcomes. By informing ourselves and increasing our understanding of the potential changes that future climates could cause, we can begin to formulate strategies that can prove effective in adapting to and coping with potential impacts. In other words, we can enhance our resilience to environmental change. Better still, we can conceive and embrace behaviors, actions, and choices that work to protect our planet even if climate change does not occur.