"How Climate Change Will Worsen Algae and Dead Zones"

"More rain means more nitrogen runoff into rivers, fueling algae growth. Scientists expect a 19% increase in the U.S., and they're looking for solutions."

"Intensifying rainfall linked with a warmer and wetter atmosphere is increasing nitrogen pollution in rivers and oceans, exacerbating algae growth and expanding dead zones in coastal areas.

A new study in the journal Science shows how that intensifying rainfall will affect the nitrogen cycle as the planet warms.

If countries continue to pump out greenhouse gases at a high rate, the amount of nitrogen going into American rivers could surge 19 percent by the end of the century—with water quality in the Northeast, Upper Mississippi River Basin and Great Lakes suffering the most, the researchers found. Even if the goals of the Paris climate agreement are met and emissions are reduced, nitrogen levels will still rise, the authors found."

Bob Berwyn reports for InsideClimate News July 27, 2017.