Whereas, the National Global Climate Assessment and Development Advisory Committee (NCADAC) has just released a draft report on climate change; and
Whereas, the NCADAC draft report notes that the U.S. average air surface temperature has increased by about 1.5°F since 1895 and more than 80% of this increase has occurred since 1980; and
Whereas, this draft report notes that the most recent decade was the nation’s hottest on record and U.S. temperatures will continue to rise, with the next few decades projected to see another 2°F to 4°F of warming in most areas; and
Whereas, this draft report notes that global climate change, which is primarily driven by human activity, is already affecting the people and ecosystems of the Gulf Coast region and, particularly, Louisiana; and
Whereas, winters are becoming warmer with fewer days below freezing, altering the distribution and occurrence of invasive species such as nutria and Chinese tallow; and
Whereas, certain types of weather events, such as hurricanes and droughts, have become more frequent and/or intense, rapidly altering Louisiana’s coastal and inland ecosystems and the species that depend upon them; and
Whereas, wildfires have increased nationally in frequency, intensity and areal acreage affected; and
Whereas, sea level is rising and the Gulf of Mexico is becoming warmer and more acidic, and sea level rise, coupled with more intense storms, more intense precipitation events and more intense drought, has serious implications for fish and wildlife habitat in Louisiana; and
Whereas, the distribution of native species in Louisiana is dependent upon climate regimes and habitats that support them; climate change can decouple species from their food sources and nesting habitats; and
Whereas, migratory species such as waterfowl and neotropical migrant songbirds across the Southeast are already being affected by habitat alterations, and climate change intensifies this threat to biodiversity; and
Resolution No. 13E, 2013 – GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE, Page 2
Whereas, competition for water, once considered plentiful here in Louisiana, has intensified with human development patterns, warmer temperatures and altered rainfall patterns; and
Whereas, the state of Louisiana has appropriately considered two future scenarios of sea level rise in its 2012 Coastal Protection Master Plan; and
Whereas, the National Wildlife Federation has just released a new report entitled “Wildlife in a Warming World: Confronting the Climate Crisis”.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Louisiana Wildlife Federation joins the National Wildlife Federation in expressing concern for the future impacts of global climate change upon fish and wildlife and their habitats.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Louisiana Wildlife Federation encourages state and federal natural resource agencies working in Louisiana, and Louisiana private landowners to consider scenarios of climate change that might alter management alternatives or negatively affect fish and wildlife and their habitats.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if Federal funding becomes available to minimize global climate change and to deal with its effects in Louisiana that attention be given to options and scenarios that benefit fish, wildlife and their habitats.
Adopted by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation in Convention Assembled, February 24, 2013 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is a statewide conservation education and advocacy organization with more than 8,500 members and 25 affiliate groups. Established in 1940, it is affiliated with the National Wildlife Federation and represents a broad constituency of conservationists including hunters, fishers, campers, birders, boaters, and other outdoor enthusiasts.