Conservation in a Changing Climate

1. Conservation in a Changing Climate Presentation Template

2. Our Challenge Climate change is the transformational conservation challenge of our time, not only because of its direct effects on species and habitats but because of its influence on other stressors that threaten our natural resources. These include habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species, and water scarcity. U.S. Global Change Research Program

3. Key Points 1. Climate Change is Real. 2. Climate Change is Disrupting Natural Systems on which Wildlife and People Depend. 3. Climate Change is Harming the Fish, Wildlife, Plants and Wild Places We Care About. 4. Climate Change Impacts Can Be Reduced, But We Have to Act Now.

4. Climate Change is Real. • The unmistakable signs of a rapidly changing climate are everywhere: • Global average air temperature has increased. • Average sea level has risen. • Invasive species are moving into new areas. • Flowers are blooming earlier, lakes freezing later, and migratory birds are delaying their flights south. • No geographic region is immune. • (add regional or local examples): • And, the climate is not only changing, but the rate of change is accelerating.

5. Climate Change is Disrupting Natural Systems on which Wildlife and People Depend. Natural systems—such as lakes, rivers, oceans, coral reefs, forests, grasslands—produce our oxygen, our water, our food, and provide jobs such as commercial fishing and timber harvesting. Natural systems also support outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, boating and tourism—generating jobs and millions of dollars in revenue. (add regional or local examples):

6. Climate Change is Harming the Fish, Wildlife, Plants and Wild Places We Care About. • Climate change and its impact on existing resource stressors have enormous implications for management of fish and wildlife and their habitats around the world. • (add regional or local examples): • U.S. Global Change Research Program http://www.globalchange.gov/ • National Park Service Regional Impacts Web page • http://www.nps.gov/climatechange/atlanticcoast.cfm

7. Climate Change Impacts on Fish and Wildlife Can Be Reduced but We Have to Act Now. The success of wildlife conservation efforts will depend upon our abilities to understand and predict ecosystem changes and take action to help species adjust to a changing climate. But we cannot wait for our climate change information to be perfect.

8. USFWS Climate Change Strategy • The Service’s climate strategy is partnership-driven and science-based. Three key areas are: • Adaptation – Reducing impacts on fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats • Mitigation – Reducing our carbon footprint • Engagement – Reaching out to partners and the public to seek common solutions

9. National Fish, Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy The National Fish, Wildlife & Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy is a national blueprint for sensible, coordinated action that will be a resource to governments and private landowners as they deal with managing their lands and resources in a changing environment.

10. Landscape Conservation Cooperatives Landscape Conservation Cooperatives are a network of partnerships that provide shared science to understand landscape change and inform collaborative action for resource conservation and adaptation. (add examples of local or regional LCC projects):

11. Carbon Sequestration The Service is working with conservation partners to expand biological carbon sequestration techniques, restore habitat, and conserve wildlife. (add regional or local examples): USFWS

12. You Can Make A Difference Small changes in our everyday lives can make a big difference for current and future generations of Americans. (add regional or local examples of how people can help reduce climate change impacts and support wildlife conservation):

13. The Future is Now U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Conserving the Nature of America in a Changing Climate http://www.fws.gov/home/climatechange/