Climate Change and the Affects on National Parks

The entire world's climate is changing, and we have no one to thank but ourselves. We have created this mess, and, as the Jerimiah Camp would state: "we're in deep, deep trouble". The changes in climate will, and are already affecting the ecological integrity of our National Parks.



Climate change is caused by green house gas emissions, carbon dioxide, and methane, as well as natural causes. The 5 million tourists to Banff National Park alone, do not help to slow this process down. With millions of vehicles driving in and out of National Parks every year air pollution not only damages the direct environment, but also the ozone layer. Parks Canada has stated that carbon dioxide levels in our atmosphere may double this century! With temperatures on the rise, think of the Arctic Parks that are feeling the heat the most! Auyuittuq National Park glaciers will shrink,while summer weather may become wetter and foggier. Think of the ice fields in Jasper, and how rapidly they are retreating. At the rate we're going, Glacier National Park of Canada may have a shorter lifespan than originally thought! The rise of sea level and the erosion of shorelines are affecting many of our coastal parks as well.



Climate change does not only affect the forestation and glaciers, but also the animals. Wildlife depends on the vegetation of their surroundings. For example, the muskoxen, depends on the vegetation of Tuktut Nogait National Park; however, with constant changes in vegetation, these unique animals may become harder to find.



What can we do to help slow down climate change? Stop releasing so many green house gases into the air! Reduce the number of hours on your river boat and private jet. Turn off lights when you leave the room, reduce household waste, recycle, use more non motorized forms of recreation fun! The climate is constantly changing, help slow down any unnatural rates of climate change. It doesn't just affect you.



http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/index.aspx