Will New England See More Powerful Storms Because Of Climate Change?

22:59

October 30, 2012

Sea water floods the Ground Zero construction site in New York City on Monday. (John Minchillo/AP)

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, more than 250,000 people in Massachusetts are without power.

Nationally, more than seven million people have no power and at least 35 are dead. Economic damages from the storm could be at least $20 billion. Meteorologists are calling Sandy one of the most powerful hurricanes ever to hit the Eastern Seaboard.

Though Massachusetts dodged the worst of Sandy's effects, the Bay State may not be so lucky next time. According to a report issued last week by Massachusetts Congressman Ed Markey, "The New New England: How Climate Change Jeopardizes The Northeast's Economy And Environment," extreme rain and snowfall events have increased by 85 percent in New England since the 1940s.

Guests:

Beth Daley, environmental reporter for The Boston Globe
Dr. Brenda Ekwurzel, climate scientist with the Climate and Energy Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists

More:

This segment aired on October 30, 2012.