Signs of the Times

INDICATORS OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN CALIFORNIA

Animals and even plants are on the move due to climate change, according to the report, Indicators of Climate Change in California, a compilation of research from universities, state and federal agencies, and other research institutions.

Like us, plants and animals need specific things in order to survive in a given area. They depend upon specific temperatures, sources of food and water, and amounts of sunlight. As these conditions continue changing in California due to hotter and drier climatic trends, the survival of many species will be increasingly threatened. The Indicators of Climate Change in California report details effects we’re already seeing, such as alterations in the timing of life cycle stages, movement of species to higher elevations to find habitat that meets their needs, and increases in vulnerability to stress factors.

Decreases in water availability combined with increases in temperature are direct causes of stress in our forests and other habitats. While drought may be the proximate reason for recent increases in tree mortality, the longer-term climate change trend is also impacting lower elevation conifer forests. According to the report, over the last 60 years, the lowest edges of forests dominated by conifers in the Sierra Nevada shifted upslope to higher elevations where temperatures are cooler. This not only affects vegetation patterns and the composition of the forests, it impacts all the animals and plants that rely on them.

Golden-Mantled-Ground-Squirrel Repeated surveys spanning nearly 100 years in Yosemite National Park revealed that distributions of small mammal populations are shifting, with most of the changes involving movement to cooler, higher elevations. While scientists found several factors influence this, increased temperatures played a major role. Movement may not be an option for all small mammals as those at the top of the mountains have nowhere left to go. And, if contractions in range and shifts to higher elevations continue, species like the golden-mantled ground squirrel (pictured), will eventually run out of places to live.

If we address the underlying stresses on our forests, we can ensure that they are more resilient to the effects of climate change. We envision a carbon-rich, resilient landscape where California’s forests are managed to promote wildlife adaptation, increase carbon storage, improve water quality and availability, and sustain forest communities and economies.

Learn more about our vision for carbon-rich, resilient landscapes.

Indicators of Climate Change in California, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, California Environmental Protection Agency (2013). (View a PDF)