Global Warming and our Parks

If you are reading this website, you are probably the type of person who is already pretty familiar with the current state of things regarding Global Warming. This has been a topic of particular concern to those of us who enjoy spending time outdoors for many years. It is not a new subject, but it is a subject that has a direct effect on our favorite places.

As its name suggests, Global Warming will affect everybody and every place. I can't help but think of the what changes we will see in our National Parks as a result of the climate changes happening now. We are already seeing obvious signs of warming, like glaciers melting away at a rapid pace. Glacier National Park is in danger of losing what little ice it has left to this warming. As the oceans warm up, hurricanes become more frequent and more intense. What effect will that have on parks near the Gulf, like the Everglades in Florida? The west coast has seen more intense storm activity, especially in the winter. Places like Olympic National Park and Redwoods National Park have had roads wash out annually because of torrential rains. And, as suggested in the book "Scorched Earth", because of prolonged periods of drought in the Mountain West, we may see a higher frequency of intense wild fires that will become more difficult to contain.

Last night the TV program "60 Minutes" had an article called "Rewriting the Science" which focused on how this topic has become so politicized. It's a shame really. Some of our nation's most trusted scientists have been gagged from sharing their research because it does not jive well with the message that the White House wishes to share. This is dangerous politics. We need the truth, not spin. Yes, the size of the U.S. Government is big. But, it will take the resources of big government to make the changes necessary to stop the ever growing warming trend.

If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.
Lao Tzu