"Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global sea level... The Greenhouse gases driving global warming have increased markedly as a result of human activities since 1750 and now far exceed pre-industrial values."

— International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, "Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis"

Global warming--the rapid increase in atmospheric and ocean temperatures around the world--is happening now and will have a profound effect on national parks including Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Extreme heat waves, droughts, more wildland fires, coast flooding and erosion, and habitat destruction are among possible scenarios in the coming decades.

The National Park Service and Golden Gate National Recreation Area are taking action to reduce our greenhouse gas contributions, to educate staff and visitors about the problem and its solutions, and to develop new land management strategies in face of the coming changes.

In order to address these issues, Golden Gate has created a Climate Change Action Plan. It’s a 20-year commitment. The plan has three concrete objectives:

1) Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

2) Educating the public (and ourselves)

3) Monitoring climate change and adapting to its effects

The Action Plan has a major component designed specifically for visitors who come to the Park in person or visit on-line. It’s called DO YOUR PART! At the DO YOUR PART PARKS! web site you can join many other park visitors and stewards in confronting this world-wide threat by pledging carbon reductions to your favorite park.

Find out more about climate change and national parks

Learn about threats to Golden Gate

Explore the causes of global warming and climate change and find links to science resources