Researchers representing 13 U.S. government (science) agencies, major universities and research institutes produced the study, "Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States." Commissioned in 2007, it is the most (comprehensive) report to date on national climate change, offering the latest information on rising temperatures, heavy downpours, (extreme) weather, sea level changes and other results of climate change in the U.S.

 The 190-page report is a (product) of the interagency U.S. Global Change Research Program, led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA]. It is (written) in accessible language, intended to better inform members of the public and policymakers about the social, environmental and economic costs of (climate) change. It focuses on effects by region and details how the nation's transportation, (agriculture), health, water and (energy) sectors will be affected in the future.

 "This report provides the concrete scientific information that says unequivocally that climate change is happening now and it's (happening) in our own backyards and it affects the kind of things people care about," Administrator of NOAA Jane Lubchenco said Tuesday at a White House (briefing).

 Some of the key findings of the report are that global warming is unequivocal and (primarily) human-induced. Climate changes are underway and include increased stresses on water supplies, challenges to (livestock) and crop production, risks to coastal areas from rising sea levels and storm surges, health risks, quality of life issues in (urban) areas and permanent changes to entire ecosystems.

 One area of focus in the report is the (southwestern) U.S., where warming has been as rapid as anywhere in the country.

 A phenomenon known as the urban heat-island effect is also (projected) to exacerbate summertime temperature increases, which the report said are projected to be greater than the annual average. Droughts, which are frequent in the Southwest, could become more (severe). The cycle of increasing temperatures and decreased water (supplies) represent a challenge to the region which continues to lead the country in population (growth).

 As temperatures and humidity increases, heat waves, (reduced) air quality and insect-borne diseases are more likely to occur. Heavy downpours can (overload) drainage systems and water treatment facilities, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases, he said.

 The Great Lakes, which contain 20 (percent) of the planet's fresh surface water, will also be affected by the changing climate, Wuebbles said. Depending on the (extent) of climate change, average water levels in the Great Lakes could drop by as much as two feet in this century. This would affect beaches, (coastal) ecosystems, fish populations, dredging requirements and shipping.

 The report focuses primarily on the impacts of climate change, but it also addresses activities that could potentially (mitigate) those effects and adapt to changes as well. Measures in populated areas include rainwater harvesting and better urban planning to (reduce) urban heat island effects. In rural areas, more (effective) planning and management would help to slow the growing wildfire risk.

 "The report lays out what is (ahead) for our country if we fail to act to curb climate change, and if we (fail) to act aggressively," Overpeck said. "Time is running out."

Question)
1. Can you feel the climate changes? Tell something about the changes.
2. In line with the writer's opinion, what impacts may the climate change bring to us?