New York’s climate, and the climate of the planet as a whole, has been warming over the past century. Scientists predict that average temperatures in the Northeast by the end of the century could be as much as 9.8º F warmer in winter and 10.6º F warmer in summer. As a result, public health, infrastructure and coastal property, agriculture and water supply are threatened. Projected increases in the number of very hot days in our cities threaten the most vulnerable among us—the elderly, children and the sick. Projected increases in the frequency and the severity of floods threaten transportation infrastructure and homes. Projected decreases in Great Lakes water levels, resulting from higher evaporation, could threaten drinking water supplies and reduce the amount of hydroelectric power produced by the New York Power Authority, which could have major impacts on the economy statewide.