Confronting a silent threat as climate change reshapes Yosemite National Park

July 2, 2023 / activist360

We were up at Yosemite National Park this week and noticed that it has changed since our last visit 30 years ago. Yosemite National Park remains majestic. However, it is undeniably experiencing transformations at the expense of climate change. From its cascading waterfalls to the towering sequoias and diverse wildlife, the effects of our changing climate are visible.

Warming rate

Data collected since 1895 reveal that from 1895 to 2016, the area within the park’s boundaries warmed at a rate of 1.6°F per century. This warming rate has more than doubled in recent decades, with the period from 1950 to 2010 seeing a warming rate of 3.4°F per century. Nighttime temperatures in Yosemite Valley have increased faster than average temperatures, rising by 7.6°F from 1915 to 2012. Along with rising temperatures, the park’s frost-free days increased by around 88 days from 1907 to 2012, indicating a longer growing season.

The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and large-scale farming have resulted in historically high levels of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane. These gases trap heat near Earth’s surface, contributing to global warming.

If greenhouse gas emissions continue unabated, the climate of Yosemite is projected to experience further changes over the next century. Average temperatures in the park could rise by 6.7-10.3°F between 2000 and 2100. The number of days per year with temperatures above 90°F could quadruple, and extreme weather events, including storms that historically broke 20-year precipitation records, may become far more frequent.

Emissions at the park

People love national parks and want to experience their beauty. According to the Yosemite National Park website, modern times have seen an influx of cars into Yosemite Valley. The cumulative distance traveled by visitors within Yosemite is over 80 million miles annually. This traffic not only leads to pollution and congestion but also contributes over 60% of the park’s carbon footprint.

The forests’ silent struggle

Climate change also poses significant threats to Yosemite’s sequoia trees. The warmer climate exacerbates drought conditions and increases the frequency and intensity of wildfires, both of which can stress these ancient giants.

Last year alone, in 2022, Yosemite was impacted by four significant fires. In July 2022, the Washburn Fire threatened the giant sequoias of Mariposa Grove, including the beloved Grizzly Giant, and in that same month fire officials evacuated over 6,000 people Yosemite area during the Oak Fire. One month later, in August 2022, the Red Fire burned 8,410 acres in Yosemite National Park as part of the 2022 California wildfire season.

Moreover, changing conditions are affecting the broader forest ecosystem. Rising temperatures, coupled with increased pest outbreaks, such as the pine beetle infestation, are leading to higher mortality rates among tree species. This alteration in forest composition can fundamentally transform the habitat, impacting numerous species that call Yosemite home.

Vanishing glaciers

Lyell Glacier, the largest in Yosemite, has shrunk by nearly 80% in the past century. As our planet continues to warm, glaciers in the park are predicted to disappear entirely. Glacial melt not only contributes to sea-level rise globally, but it also influences the park’s water supply, impacting both the natural habitats and human usage.

Wildlife impact

Yosemite’s rich biodiversity, from the smallest insects to the largest mammals, is also affected. Species are forced to shift their ranges to higher altitudes in search of cooler temperatures, disrupting the existing ecological balance. Some, like the pika, a small mammal adapted to the cold alpine environment, are running out of room to move higher and are at risk of local extinction.

*Waterfall in Yosemite National Park, June 2023*

Mission to conserve and project

In 1916, through the Organic Act, the National Park Service was created with the mandate of protecting national parks for future generations:

“….to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.”

The park has mobilized its resources toward confronting climate change. Scientists from various fields work to understand the changes we witness. Their findings are shared with the public through guided programs and activities, raising awareness and prompting individual action. With around four to five million visitors annually, Yosemite is uniquely positioned to shape the narrative around global change.

Reducing carbon footprint from transportation

To reduce the carbon footprint from transportation, park managers have implemented shuttle and bus services, reducing emissions and easing traffic.

A long-standing partnership with the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) provides services to and from communities around the park. Within Yosemite, free shuttles transport visitors to various destinations. As of 2020, 24 of these vehicles were diesel-electric hybrids, and two were fully electric.

Waste management

Yosemite generates over 6,200 tons of waste yearly. This waste must be transported to landfills, contributing to carbon emissions. To offset this, Yosemite recycles almost 980 tons of various materials annually, saving over 2,800 metric tons of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere. Furthermore, the park is involved in the Zero Landfill Initiative to improve trash and recycling infrastructure and education.

Green power

To decrease its carbon footprint, Yosemite installed several solar panels at the El Portal Maintenance Complex in 2010. The panels generate over 670,000 kWh of energy annually, preventing over 6,600 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions since their installation.

*Yosemite Valley, among the trees, in June 2023*

The park needs our help

Although the park devotes significant resources to climate mitigation, in the context of significant environmental changes, this task becomes more challenging and the parks need help from all of us.

Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the individual, community, national, and global levels are crucial. Sustainable practices, renewable energy, and energy-efficient technologies can play significant roles in this transition.

Learn about nature and park protection

Rangers and park partners offer visitors opportunities to learn about nature and park protection. They leverage their understanding and engage in conversations about the meaning of change in public lands. They help visitors appreciate the profound impacts of climate change, reinforcing the need for collective action.

Volunteer

Volunteer with the Yosemite National Park Service or a National Park near you to help improve and maintain trails in Yosemite Valley or your national park. Volunteering offers you the opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the vistas, gorgeous trees, and granite walls, as you restore fragile natural resources damaged by visitors.

It is our profound hope that we act together to protect our beautiful planet and our national parks. Let’s co-create a legacy of care, conservation, and protection for future generations.

Diverse and profound symbols of fatherhood in nature

June 18, 2023 / activist360

*Angel Oak Tree | Charleston, South Carolina. Photo by Andrew Shelley on Unsplash.*

Happy Father’s Day to all the nature lovers out there!

This Father’s Day we’re taking a look at the diverse and profound symbols of “fatherhood” in nature. We found several nature-related symbols embodying fatherhood across a range of cultures and species. Take a quick journey with us to learn about these symbols.

Majestic father oak

Rooted in its attributes of strength, resilience, and longevity, the oak parallels qualities traditionally associated with fatherhood. Just as a father offers protection and guidance, the oak tree’s broad branches provide shelter. Its steadfast nature implies a dependable presence. In Celtic mythology, the oak was held in high reverence as a father figure, an emblem of stability and nurturing amid life’s tumultuous storms (Markale, J. (2004). The Celts: Uncovering the Mythic and Historic Origins of Western Culture). Its acorns, seen as seeds of potential, mirror a father’s role in fostering growth and development in his offspring. This majestic oak tree’s symbolism reflects the enduring, protective, and nurturing aspects of fatherhood, celebrating its essential role in the cycle of life.

Mountain, the patriarch

Mountains, due to their imposing stature, have been perceived as paternal figures across various cultures. Mount Olympus in Greek mythology was not only home to the gods but the dwelling place of Zeus, the father of gods and men (Source: Grimal, P. (1996). The Dictionary of Classical Mythology). Native American tribes like the Sioux perceive mountains as sacred and regard them as ‘grandfathers,’ signifying wisdom and spiritual guidance (Source: Brown, J. E. (1953). The Sacred Pipe: Black Elk’s Account of the Seven Rites of the Oglala Sioux).

Father sun

The sun, radiant and life-giving also represents fatherhood in numerous cultures. It exemplifies power, constancy, and nurturing. In Ancient Egyptian mythology, the sun god Ra was seen as the father of all gods, embodying warmth, life, and illumination (Source: Pinch, G. (2002). Handbook of Egyptian Mythology). Similarly, in many Native American cultures, the sun was often revered as a father figure, offering light, warmth, and growth to its children on Earth (Source: Hirschfelder, A. B., & Molin, P. F. (1992). The Encyclopedia of Native American Religions). The symbol of the father sun embodies the vital role of fathers as providers, protectors, and guiding lights in the lives of their offspring.

Lord lion

The lion serves as a powerful symbol of fatherhood. Renowned for its strength, courage, and protective instincts, the male lion’s role mirrors the archetypical father figure. It defends its pride against potential harm, embodying the protective aspect of fatherhood. The lion guides its young, teaching them essential survival skills, which encapsulates the mentoring facet of fatherhood (Source: DeMello, M. (2012). Animals and Society: An Introduction to Human-Animal Studies).

Eagle, the sire

The eagle, soaring high above the earth, represents a magnificent symbol of fatherhood in numerous cultures. Its exceptional strength, acute vision, and protective instincts correspond to the traditional roles and qualities associated with fatherhood. Among Native American cultures, the eagle, as a messenger of the Great Spirit, carries spiritual symbolism. It exemplifies wisdom, courage, and protective care – revered fatherly traits that guide and protect families (Source: Hirschfelder, A. B., & Molin, P. F. (1992). The Encyclopedia of Native American Religions). As the eagle prepares a safe nest and vigilantly guards its young, it embodies the nurturing and protective roles of a father. The soaring flight of the eagle conveys the encouragement fathers provide their children to reach great heights. The eagle’s symbolism captures the essence of fatherhood—nurturing, guiding, protecting, and inspiring the next generation.

Selfless seahorse as birthing papa

Unlike most species, it is the male seahorse that assumes the responsibility of pregnancy, challenging traditional paternal roles and symbolizing an exceptional level of paternal care and investment. This rare trait positions the seahorse as a representation of devoted fatherhood and redefines the boundaries of paternal roles within the natural world (Source: Wilson, R. A. (2010). The Labor of Words: Literary Professionalism in the Progressive Era). The male seahorse nurtures its young in its own body signifies a father’s deep commitment and selflessness, encapsulating an intimate bond with the offspring. The seahorse, in its unique biology, presents an unconventional yet compelling symbol of fatherhood, highlighting the profound nurturing, dedication, and flexibility inherent in this role.

The above examples show us that nature is rich with symbols that represent the multifaceted concept of “father.” These symbols extend from plants to celestial bodies to animals to sea life. They emphasize the qualities attributed to fatherhood—strength, protection, wisdom, and nurturing—and encapsulate the complex and universal essence of fatherhood.

Despite shrinking ‘Dead Zone’, Gulf Coast grapples with massive fish die-off

June 11, 2023 / activist360

*A shrimp boat trawls for shrimp in the Gulf of Mexico. (Image credit: NOAA Fisheries)*

NOAA anticipated a remarkably smaller ‘Dead Zone’ in Gulf of Mexico this summer

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted a “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico this summer, an oxygen-deprived area spanning about 4,155 square miles that can prove lethal to marine life. This estimate, while significant, is lower than the 36-year average of 5,364 square miles. The dead zone occurs annually due to excessive nutrient pollution from human activities within the Mississippi River watershed.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) tracks key factors such as river discharge and nutrient loading, which contribute to the dead zone. In May 2023, there was a 33% decrease in river discharge, a 42% decrease in nitrate, and a 5% decrease in phosphorus levels compared to the long-term averages from 1980 to 2022. These nutrients instigate an algal bloom that, upon death and decay, depletes water oxygen levels, endangering marine life, especially bottom-dwelling species.

NOAA’s hypoxia forecasts are designed to help coastal managers and stakeholders proactively mitigate the impacts of hypoxia. The data also inform nutrient reduction targets aimed at curbing future dead zones. The Interagency Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Task Force aims to reduce the dead zone to 1,900 square miles by 2035.

Despite smaller ‘Dead Zone’, thousands of fish perish on Texas Gulf Coast

The New York Times along with several other media outlets reported that on Friday, tens of thousands of fish started washing ashore along the Texas Gulf Coast due to a combination of environmental conditions that depleted oxygen levels in the warm waters. The incident was described as a “perfect storm” of poor conditions by Bryan Frazier, the director of Brazoria County Parks Department. Warm water holds less oxygen than cold water, and the calm, cloudy weather obstructed the usual ways oxygen is infused into ocean water. The fish are thought to have been trapped in shallow, warm water where the oxygen supply diminished.

Experts suggest that climate change could be contributing to such incidents as warmer waters become more common. Katie St. Clair, the sea life facility manager at Texas A&M University at Galveston, said that rising water temperatures could lead to more such events, especially in shallow, near-shore environments.

Frazier noted that these fish kills are not uncommon during warmer periods and predicted local water conditions would improve as ocean waves reintroduce oxygen and fish leave low-oxygen areas. However, the United Nations reported in 2019 that warmer ocean waters have increased incidences of hypoxia (low oxygen levels), posing threats to fish populations.

The fish kill could significantly impact the environment as the dead fish, primarily Gulf menhaden, play a crucial role in the local ecosystem. Clean-up operations are ongoing to prevent the dead fish from rotting in the midday heat.