Global Warming Has Chicago Changing Trees, Alleys

Chicago - Chicago had such a cold spring, it's hard to grasp the idea of global warming -- the gradual climate change scientists believe will make Chicago hotter, and wetter, in the coming decades.

But Chicago is already preparing for a permanent heat wave. Based on current trends, scientists believe Chicago will feel more like the Deep South by the end of this century.

They predict 72 days a year, we'll have of temperatures above 90 degrees; right now we only have about 15 days a year over 90. More rain and more severe storms are also in the longterm forecast.

Mayor Richard M. Daley jumped on the issue in 2006, calling on all city departments to plan for climate change.

Among the projects underway:

• paving and drainage improvements, especially in alleys where flooding is always an issue and could get worse.
• planting more and different trees, providing shade and improving air quality.
• and there's even talk of putting air conditioning in all of Chicago's 750 public schools.

And by the way, the official state tree of Illinois -- the white oak -- is one of the common trees that may be extinct around here in the next few decades, due to the warmer climate. They're off the list of trees the city buys for planting. Instead, we'll be seeing more swamp white oaks and bald cypress like they have down south.