Deterioration of The Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado – BEFORE
It’s worse than you think.
The glorious forests of pine and aspen in the Rocky Mountains are fading at a dangerous rate due to drought and wildfires – all thanks to climate change.
The changing environment is affecting multiple things at Rocky Mountain – from different species, to the ecosystems to the visitor’s experiences.
In Colorado over the last century, the temperature has risen around 3.4° F. These increasing temperatures melt spring snow much earlier, meaning that much less water is available for plants and animals over the summer time. Pesky pine bark beetles which thrive on warmer temperatures have been impacting the the National Park, killing off many trees in its forest. Species like Pika (a cute little furry animal) which can only live below 70 degrees may become extinct as temperatures continue to rise.
Next time you’re thinking about leaving the heating on next time you go out…. just think of the Pikas!
Deterioration of The Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado – AFTER
