Climate Change Reports

Climate change is an important factor in the availability of resources in the Great Basin. Water and wildlife are inextricably linked. Without water, wildlife move elsewhere, where resources are available. 

These reports and studies are insights into the future of the Great Basin's climate. SNWA and the BLM haven't explored the effects of climate change and water availability into the future. Much more research is required by both parties to accurately predict climate fluctuations with or without groundwater pumping.

The Climate Change in the Great Basin report provides a brief overview of climate change impacts (on a general level - e.g, ecosystem,water resources, etc.) that have been documented within the Great Basin, and reviews the major predictions for future climate change impacts in that region.

The Humbolt Toiyabe NF Climate Change report is comprehensive in that it covers prehistoric climate shifts, causes of current climate change disruption, and details on species level changes that have been observed on HTNF and the surrounding region. The HTNF report also offers management prescriptions for the study region.

The Climate Change Disruption and Connectivity report (2009) discusses the causes of current climate disruption and reviews projected impacts of climate change to biodiversity and natural ecosystems. This report also considers the role of extensively connected networks of protected areas in mitigating biodiversity loss, and outlines adaptation strategies that can help nature adjust to rapidly changing climates and ecosystems.