Global warming is becoming a more prominent problem in the Northwest and ultimately the whole world.

Because less water is rushing down streams, dams aren’t generating enough power and salmon are having trouble swimming upstream. This affects crops as well due to the lack of hydration.

“Oregon is supposed to become drier and the runoff water from Mt. Hood will disappear, affecting the salmon run, electricity and irrigation,” said LHS science teacher Sarah Mock.

Since the Industrial Revolution there has been a massive increase of greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere. However, the Northwest is not alone on this matter as the rest of the world faces the issue of global warming.

Down south in California they are experiencing a drought brought on by the recent climate changes. Livescience.com states that his has forced the whole state to focus on conserving water. In 2014 farmers lost about 6.6 million acre-feet of surface water due to the drought. Farmers also lost $2.2 billion in revenue and around 17,100 jobs.

Scientists believe that in the long run the arctic caps are going to melt and the ocean levels will rise causing major flooding and droughts. According to National Geographic, weather patterns are being affected by this climate change as well. Hurricanes are getting stronger, lightning strikes are becoming more common, and the list goes on.