Introduction
Introduction Letter The Climate Challenge
Summary
The state’s air and water quality have improved over the last 54 years since the Council was created and began independently assessing the status of Connecticut’s environment. However, the warming of Connecticut’s climate and the rollback of significant air regulations and changes in environmental policies at the federal level threaten to undermine the environmental progress of past decades. As stated in previous annual reports, it is predicted that as the climate warms, severe weather events, such as drought conditions and extreme rainfall, might become more frequent. Drought conditions to Connecticut’s north and west in 2025 contributed to wildfires, which adversely impacted Connecticut’s air quality. More persistent impacts to air quality, specifically ground-level ozone, could be exacerbated by winds from the southwest and west that transport ozone precursors from the large metropolitan areas into the state. Air emissions from mobile, industrial and commercial sources in Connecticut then enhance the production of ground-level ozone. Unless emissions in those states are reduced substantially, Connecticut residents are likely to continue to breathe unhealthy air.
Connecticut’s changing climate is creating compatible loci for invasive species, like the Asian tiger mosquito, and adversely impacting the distribution and abundance of native species, which can have negative economic, ecological, and public health impacts. This is already evident in the near collapse of Connecticut’s lobster harvest. Animals, such as forest birds, turtles, and bats, and native plants are already diminishing as their habitats are impacted by development or transforms and becomes less habitable.
There is good news to report. The area of hypoxia in Long Island Sound during the summer months continues to decline due to several factors, such as reductions in nitrogen discharges, improvements to wastewater treatment facilities resulting in fewer sewer overflows, and better controls for stormwater runoff. Populations of bald eagles, osprey, and piping plover have increased over the last few decades due, in part, to successful reintroduction programs and habitat protection measures. And while there has been a shift to more warm-adapted finfish species in Long Island Sound, overall finfish diversity in the Sound remains high.
Efforts made by the Governor and the General Assembly to address climate change are important and are supported by the Council. Nevertheless, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from in-state sources, such as the electric power sector and the transportation sector, continue to be a significant concern. Achieving the emission reduction goals set forth in several public acts will be difficult without drastic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Programs and policies to promote renewable energy, such as solar, and electric-drive vehicles (EVs) have been successful and should be expanded. Additional efforts to reduce the amount of solid waste, and the consumption of energy through energy conservation and the more efficient use of energy, should be prioritized over developing new sources of electricity generation. Further, nature-based solutions, such as the preservation of open space land, farmland, and forests, and the expansion of urban forestry can help to combat climate change, reduce flood risk, improve water quality, enhance habitats, reduce urban heat, and improve the quality of life in Connecticut.
A detailed list of recommendations with specific action items can be found on the Recommendations page.