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Climate change

National Park System at Risk from Climate Change Denial

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the National Park System faces unprecedented challenges from sea-level rise, wildfires, and drought, a new report warns that denial of climate change by President Donald Trump and Republican members of Congress is putting the system at great risk. The report, compiled by the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) and the Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, highlights the struggles of parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Everglades in the face of climate change. Without immediate action, the report predicts that the National Park System will be overrun by the impacts of climate change, putting the country's natural treasures at risk.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Park System is at risk of being overrun by the impacts of climate change, including sea-level rise, wildfires, and drought.
  • Parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain, and Shenandoah are struggling with drought, wildfire risks, and ocean waters inundating their natural habitats.
  • The report highlights the need for Congress to act on climate change mitigation measures, including reducing carbon pollution and investing in sound science.
  • The administration's denial of climate change is putting the National Park System at risk, with potential long-term consequences for generations of Americans.
  • The report calls for immediate action, with Congressman Mike Quigley stating that "we're in a race for time" and that parks need resources to address the climate crisis.
  • The SEEC and the Coalition to Protect America's National Parks are promoting measures to counter climate change, including reducing carbon pollution, investing in sound science, and maintaining federal lands.

Statistics:

  • Yellowstone National Park has experienced drought conditions for over 15 years, with effects on its geothermal features and wildlife habitats. (Source: National Park Service)
  • Yosemite National Park has seen a 500% increase in wildfires in the past 20 years, with 2019 being one of the worst wildfire seasons for the park. (Source: Yosemite National Park Conservancy)
  • Acadia National Park is experiencing increased beach erosion due to rising sea levels, with estimates suggesting that 1,000 feet of coastline could be lost by 2030. (Source: National Park Service)

Sources:

  • Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) and the Coalition to Protect America's National Parks. (2023) America's Best Idea in Peril: Climate Change & the Future of Our National Parks. Retrieved from: [https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/sites/default/files/attachments/seec-cpanp_finalreport_compressed.pdf](https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/sites/default/files/attachments/seec-cpanp_finalreport_compressed.pdf)
  • National Park Service. (2022) Yellowstone National Park. Retrieved from: [https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/drought.htm](https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/drought.htm)
  • Yosemite National Park Conservancy. (2022) Wildfires in Yosemite. Retrieved from: [https://www.yosemiteconservancy.org/wildfires](https://www.yosemiteconservancy.org/wildfires)
  • National Park Service. (2022) Acadia National Park. Retrieved from: [https://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm](https://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm)

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