Figure 19.15

North Carolina State University
Kenneth E. Kunkel

This figure appears in chapter 19 of the Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States: The Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II report.

Increasing winter temperatures are expected to result in a northward shift of the zones conducive to growing various types of plants, known as plant hardiness zones. These maps show the mean projected changes in the plant hardiness zones, as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), by the late 21st century (2070–2099) under a higher scenario (RCP8.5). The USDA plant hardiness zones are based on the average lowest minimum temperature for the year, divided into increments of 5°F. Based on these projected changes, freeze-sensitive plants, like oranges, papayas, and mangoes, would be able to survive in new areas.0a8508df-df59-4080-89a2-52bfeaca47e0 Note that large changes are projected across the region, but especially in Kentucky, Tennessee, and northern Arkansas. Sources: NOAA NCEI and CICS-NC.

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This figure was created on June 13, 2017.

This figure was submitted on December 03, 2018.

Provenance

This figure was derived from scenario rcp_8_5

References :

• Projected changes in cold hardiness zones and suitable overwinter ranges of perennial crops over the United States (0a8508df)

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