The Voice of Fish & Wildlife Agencies: Climate Change

Focus Areas

Climate Change

The anticipated acceleration of climate change will challenge 21st century resource agencies to manage for healthy and robust ecosystems in uncertain future conditions.

Scientists predict that climate change will have significant impacts on fish and wildlife habitats and populations. As a result, state agencies are being challenged to manage and respond in such a way that fish and wildlife will adapt and survive; recreation and economies that are dependent on them will thrive; and social benefits of functioning ecosystems will persist (e.g. fish and wildlife habitat, water quantity and quality).

To prepare for and remediate the impacts of climate change, state and federal agencies must adapt existing programs; accelerate program delivery; and develop short- and long-term state, regional and national plans. Funding continues to be a critical issue to support agency efforts to meet their trust responsibilities now and in the future.