New England Warming Faster Than Most of World, Swampscott Talk Warns

Climate researcher Stephen Young details how rising temperatures are already reshaping the region's winters, coastlines, and ecosystems.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 11:37pm

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According to a presentation by Salem State University professor Stephen Young, New England is warming faster than most of the world, with temperatures rising by more than 2.5 degrees Celsius since 1900 - three-quarters of that increase coming since the late 1980s. Young's research shows the region is already experiencing dramatic changes, including milder winters, more extreme weather, and the rapid disappearance of snow cover, which is actively contributing to further warming.

Why it matters

The rapid warming and climate shifts in New England are already impacting ecosystems, infrastructure, and local economies, from coastal flooding to effects on industries like fishing, agriculture, and winter recreation. Young emphasizes that these changes are not future projections, but are happening now and require urgent action at both the individual and policy levels.

The details

Young's research, co-authored with his son Jonathan, found that winters in New England are warming at nearly twice the rate as other seasons, with the winter minimum temperature now 8 degrees warmer than a century ago. While major snowstorms have increased, overall snow cover has declined by more than 30% in southern New England since 2000. Young explains this paradox - the warmer air can hold more moisture, leading to heavier snowstorms, but the net loss of snow cover is actively contributing to further warming by reducing the reflective surface that sends sunlight back into the atmosphere.

  • Since 1900, temperatures in New England have risen by more than 2.5 degrees Celsius.
  • About three-quarters of that temperature increase has occurred since the late 1980s.
  • New England has seen widespread declines in snow cover, with more than 30% less snow-covered days in the southern states since 2000.

The players

Stephen Young

A professor at Salem State University who presented research on climate change in New England.

Jonathan Young

Stephen Young's son, with whom he co-authored a 2025 paper on climate change in New England.

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What they’re saying

“New England is warming faster than the globe — we're one of the faster warming regions outside the Arctic.”

— Stephen Young, Professor, Salem State University

“The winter minimum has [gotten] eight degrees warmer than it used to be.”

— Stephen Young, Professor, Salem State University

“The warmer the air gets, the more moisture you hold. When the air gets cold enough, all that moisture is released. The atmosphere … it can hold on to so much moisture, and it just dumps all the water out of the air.”

— Stephen Young, Professor, Salem State University

What’s next

Young encouraged residents to stay informed and involved in policy decisions that shape climate action at the local, state, and national levels, emphasizing that voting remains one of the most direct ways to influence how communities respond to a changing climate.

The takeaway

The rapid warming and climate shifts in New England are no longer future projections, but are happening now and require urgent action from both individuals and policymakers to address the far-reaching impacts on the region's ecosystems, infrastructure, and economies.