U.S. climate change detailed

Washington -- A federal report maintains climate change is already affecting U.S. water resources, agriculture, land resources and biodiversity.

The report, led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, was written by 38 authors from universities, national laboratories, non-governmental organizations and federal agencies, the U.S. Climate Change Science Program said Wednesday in a news release.

The report said alterations to U.S. ecosystems and services are expected to accelerate in the future.

"Warming is very likely to continue in the United States during the next 25 to 50 years, regardless of reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, due to emissions that have already occurred," the report said.

USDA said the Forest Service is incorporating climate change risks into National Forest Management Plans and the Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Services Agency are encouraging actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration through conservation programs.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.