WLBZ Interviews Handley about Climate Change Effects
David Handley, a University of Maine Cooperative Extension specialist of vegetables and small fruits, spoke with WLBZ (Channel 2) for a report about both positive and negative effects of climate change occurring in Maine. Handley said a benefit of climate change is that Maine’s growing season is now 10 to 14 days longer than it was several decades ago. The longer season gives farmers more time to grow crops without a serious fear of frost, as well as plant new crops such as grapes, which Handley said was unthinkable when he started work 33 years ago. However, Handley warned, warmer weather also is letting new insects survive and damage Maine crops, and the state appears to be seeing more extreme weather events.