We Must Do What We Can
While many changes to park resources are inevitable, they can still influence the ways in which visitors use and enjoy the parks. Closures are resulting from increased wildfires. Reduced winter snow pack and, in some cases, more rain, have changed the timing of surface runoff each year which often makes spring and summer water activities difficult or impossible. Salmon and trout populations, popular for fishing, are showing high mortality rates due to warming water and flooding. Indigenous users of these fisheries, especially in Alaska, are at risk to lose not only a food source, but a way of life. And winter seasons are opening later and closing earlier. Although this extends the season for activities like hiking and camping, it reduces opportunities for recreational skiing and other winter sports due to inadequate snow cover. Many of these impacts have economic implications.
Scientists who study climate change agree that human activities are a big part of the current warming trend. As stated in the 2001 report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, “there is new and stronger evidence that most of the warming observed over the past 50 years is attributable to human activities.” At Mauna Loa in Hawaii and around the world, specific evidence has been gathered of an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, predominantly carbon dioxide, which are contributing to the warming of the planet. Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere today are higher than they’ve been in over 650,000 years.
For our national parks to thrive and for us to continue enjoying them, it seems appropriate now to do what we can to reduce climate change impacts and adapt to their consequences. Fortunately, we have the tools, knowledge, and ingenuity to better understand these changes and make informed choices for coping with them. Prominent scientists are saying that our own survival may be at stake.
Parks and Scientists Provide Hope for the Future
National parks are helping us figure out how to respond to these changes. Parks across the nation are conducting “Climate Friendly Parks” workshops, cosponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency, to evaluate energy usage and identify efficiencies that improve park operations. Many are developing alternate energy strategies to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases. Use of solar and wind energy, fuel cells, electric and hybrid forms of transportation, and mass transportation where high visitation exists, are being developed. Vulnerable resources are being monitored in most parks, and several have researchers who are specifically addressing climate change impacts. And rangers in many parks are being trained and provided the latest reports about climate science in order to answer questions and assist visitors in understanding climate change and its implications.
Many times during our nation’s history, citizens have confronted difficult circumstances and found creative solutions. Our parks tell compelling stories about the American Revolution, the abolition of slavery, the fight for civil rights, and about countless inspirational personalities who have made a difference for our nation. Many parks convey stories about people’s responses over thousands of years to shifting climate patterns. These stories are now part of a call to action for all visitors in the stewardship of our resources for future generations. It is important that all of us participate in answering that call.
Scientists tell us we already possess the technologies needed to reduce the abundance of CO2. They’ve also created strategies to do so within 50 years. Many of these actions involve choices that individuals can make to conserve and reduce energy use. One of the best strategies for coping with climate change on a personal level is to become “carbon neutral.” Because we exhale carbon dioxide and need energy for our daily activities, we’re unlikely to eliminate all impacts. However, if we reduce our energy use to a basic level, and offset the emissions we do generate by investing in clean alternatives, we may achieve balance and not further compromise global resources. Changing to energy efficient light bulbs and appliances, unplugging computers and electronic devices when they’re not in use, and using public transportation whenever and as often as we can are good examples of conservation practices. There are many more. To find out more about becoming carbon neutral and to become better informed about climate science, here are some helpful references:
Regardless of the causes, taking action to manage the impacts of changing climate will have positive benefits for our resources. In the future, national parks may tell the story of our collective success in dealing with climate change, moving to a way of life in greater harmony with the natural processes that operate on our planet. After all, Earth is the only planet we can call home.
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