Research conducted by scientists at the National Park Service, University of California Berkeley, and University of Wisconsin Madison reveals that climate change is significantly impacting national parks in the U.S. According to a study published in Environmental Research Letters, all 417 sites managed by the National Park Service have experienced climate shifts since the late 1800s. Data collected since 1895 shows that national park sites have warmed at twice the rate of the United States overall, with temperatures rising by about 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit per century. The highest temperature hikes were observed in Alaska.
Future projections suggest that more than half of U.S. national park lands are expected to heat up by at least 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit by 2100, leading to issues such as bark beetle outbreaks, increased wildfires, and habitat loss for certain species. The researchers call for action to curb greenhouse gas emissions in order to mitigate these impacts and protect the valuable ecosystems and cultural sites within national parks.
The study highlights the importance of addressing climate change to preserve the unique resources within U.S. national parks for future generations. The researchers emphasize the need for collective efforts to combat emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change on these critical natural and cultural sites. By taking action now, there is hope for the future of U.S. national parks and the resources they safeguard.
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