The Iowa Climate Statement 2017: It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity! was released today and demonstrates that humidity levels in Iowa are significantly increasing in all seasons and across the state. The impacts of higher humidity are far greater than just discomfort. High humidity leads to hazardous health conditions, worsened asthma conditions, higher costs of air conditioning, more waterlogged soil, and stress on crops, livestock, and pets. The statement was co-authored by Betsy Stone and was signed by Alexei Tivanski and 190 faculty from 29 Iowa institutions, marking a unique state-wide collaboration on climate science communication.
