Great Plains: Conservation and Adaptation - NCA Key Message 3
Summary
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National Climate Assessment Key Message 3
visit the full Conservation and Adaptation page
Landscape fragmentation is increasing, for example, in the context of energy development activities in the northern Great Plains. A highly fragmented landscape will hinder adaptation of species when climate change alters habitat composition and timing of plant development cycles.
1. Guiding Questions
- What is landscape fragmentation and how is it affecting the Plains?
- What is the positive feedback chain of agricultural practices affecting seasonal lakes?
- How are predator- prey relationships linked to climate change?
- Historically, what species have migrated to different regions due to habitat changes?
2. Key figures
Historical and Current Range of Sage Grouse Habitat
Comparing estimates of Greater Sage Grouse distribution from before settlement of the area (light green: prior to about 1800) with the current range (dark green: 2000) shows fragmentation of the sagebrush habitat required by this species. Over the last century, the sagebrush ecosystem has been altered by fire, invasion by new plant species, and conversion of land to agriculture, causing a decline in Sage Grouse populations.
Status of State Climate Adaptation Plans
Status of State Climate Adaptation Plans
Adaption Process
Generalized Adaptation Process
Effects of Climate Change on...
"Risk Disk" depicts three pathways by which risks posed by climate change can affect business, such as through core operations, the value chain, and broader changes in the economy and infrastructure.
3. Other Resources
USDA- Adapting to Climate Change
EPA- Impacts on Ecosystems in the Great Plains
Climate Change and Mitigation (Kansas State University)
The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a grant to Kansas NSF EPSCoR, in a massive research endeavor titled the Climate Change and Renewable Energy initiative. One of the four sub-projects in this initiative is Climate Change and Mitigation in the Great Plains. This project is led by Dr. Charles W. Rice, Kansas State University Distinguished Professor of Agronomy.
4. Lesson Plans
Home Energy Quiz
This is an activity that encourages students to go home and see how much energy they use. It gives a chance to see where improvements are needed and what they can do to make those changes. It looks at energy use and energy efficiency.
Level: Middle 6-8 and High School 9-12 Direct Link ( This site may be offline. )
Climate Change and Ecosystems
This activity looks at the interdependencies among plants and animals in an ecosystem and explores how climate change might affect that.
Level: High School 9-12 and College Lower
5. Videos
Helping Producers Manage Climate Change
This video is an introduction to a series of new Climate Hubs developed by USDA. Seven hubs and 3 sub-hubs are located in existing USDA research facilities, in partnership with USDA's Forest Service, Agricultural Research Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service, and with Land Grant Universities in seven major regions of the U.S. USDA partners also include the U.S. Department of Interior and NOAA. These hubs will address strategies for risk adaptation and mitigation to climate change, and focus on delivering these strategies to land owners, farmers, ranchers and forest land owners.
Out of Yellowstone
This 10-minute documentary highlights the voices of those working together to save the Greater Yellowstone's magnificent wildlife.
Disclaimer:
The National Climate Assessment regional resources for educators is written, edited, and moderated by each team of contributors. Posts reflect the views of the team themselves and not necessarily Climate.gov, NOAA, or USGCRP.
Contributors:
Contributors: Kristen Poppleton, Will Steger Foundation
Sarah Evans, Will Steger Foundation