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Global warming will lead to warmer weather, the disappearance of birds and tree species and larger dead zones in the Chesapeake Bay if Maryland does not take specific steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to a report released Wednesday by a state commission.

The report, released by the Maryland Commission on Climate Change, included 42 steps the state can take to reduce pollution.

"These 42 recommendations basically provide a road map for the state for the future," said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Shari T. Wilson, the commission's chairwoman.

The report recommended that the state set targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 25 percent of 2006 levels by 2020 and by 90 percent by 2050.

Those targets were included in the Global Warming Solutions Act that died in the final hours of this year's General Assembly.

The report made several recommendations for reaching the targets, including legislating strong efficiency standards and investing in clean-energy technologies.

Reducing automobile emissions would be a big step toward reducing the state's carbon footprint, environmental advocates said.

The Clean Cars Act, passed in 2007, requires cars, beginning with 2011 models, to be more fuel-efficient and produce fewer carbon dioxide emissions. So far the federal government has refused to grant a waiver necessary to put the higher standards in effect. That is expected to change next year with a new presidential administration.

Auto dealers are worried that higher standards for cars sold in Maryland could put dealers in bordering states at an advantage.

"We just don't want to be on an unlevel playing field," said Peter Kitzmiller, president of the Maryland Automobile Dealers Association.