Introduction
What differentiates Yosemite from other parks, even more is that the very concept of national parks originated with the creation of the Yosemite Grant more than a century ago. Thus, it is apparent that the cultural, ecological, and historical value of Yosemite National Park is exceptionally high. Despite being a part of a global conservation community, Yosemite faces numerous challenges in regard to managing its resources. The following paper focuses on one such issue, which is climate change, as it is highly complex and multi-faceted. Yet, it is crucial to recognize that the Park has to navigate challenges beyond that. The purpose of the paper is to investigate Yosemite’s challenges in minimizing the impact of climate change and visitor use on biodiversity, the natural landscape, and soundscape, as well as historical views.
Main body
It is evident that Yosemite’s climate has experienced a profound shift in the last century, indicating the importance of implementing climate-regulating strategies. While global warming has now been a part of extensive discussions for decades worldwide, no one has truly acknowledged the impact climate shifts had on national parks, in particular. Research demonstrates that “climate change exposes the national park area more than the US as a whole” (Gonzalez et al., 2018, p. 1). Gonzalez et al. (2018) conducted the first large-scale spatial analysis of temperature shifts across the entirety of America’s national parks. Findings indicate national parks are at a higher risk of being affected by global warming, which is a serious concern for Yosemite National Park.
Climate change is an issue that impacts Yosemite in a number of ways. Data indicates that, between 1900 and 2000, Yosemite has become 3.4 degrees Fahrenheit warmer (National Park Service, 2021). Such a pattern results in an increase in the number of hot days, a longer growing season, as well as a higher risk of extreme weather. As of recently, climate change has already affected the Park’s main resource: its ecosystems (Santos et al., 2017). Warmer temperatures lead to waterfalls drying, glaciers shrinking, trees dying, and fires developing rapidly. The management of Yosemite fears that these shifts in ecosystems are just the beginning, as the climate is projected to have an even larger impact on the Park in the following years (Meadows, 2021). Hence, Yosemite management and local authorities invest in studying past and current anomalies in an effort to implement effective strategies for minimizing the impact of climate change on the Park’s resources.
Before discussing any of the initiatives adopted in Yosemite National Park, it is crucial to acknowledge the Park’s process of collecting essential data for subsequent research in regard to climate sustainability. Yosemite already has an extensive body of knowledge to integrate into any future studies since “weather data have been collected in Yosemite since 1895, giving us [National Park Service] a window into long-term shifts in the park’s climate” (National Park Service, 2021, Climate change, para. 1). The management of the Park recognizes the importance of having in-depth insights regarding environmental change. Therefore, it has initiated the creation of a living laboratory, which has been operating for over a century. A living laboratory is an umbrella term encompassing the work of hundreds of scientists monitoring and analyzing Yosemite National Park’s ecosystems and climate. Since as early as the 1900s, a weather station has been in operation in Yosemite Valley (National Park Service, 2021). Furthermore, it is important to mention repeat snow and biological surveys conducted by researchers at a number of the Park’s sites. All of these on-site initiatives contribute to an existing body of knowledge and allow the Park’s management team to make informed decisions in regard to resource conservation.
Apart from simply collecting data, Yosemite uses a network of in-house researchers and a variety of scientists externally to generate insights, which can then be applied to the Park’s resource management program. Aside from having a rather large science staff, Yosemite National Park serves as the site for global academic symposiums and the monthly Yosemite Forum. The Park sponsors ground-breaking research, which can be integrated into its operations. According to National Park Service (2021), Yosemite “processes hundreds of research permits every year for its staff and outside interests” (Research and studies, para. 2). The majority of such research is focused specifically on the challenges associated with climate change and potential solutions.
Yosemite efficiently utilizes the findings of internal and external experts, which leads to the development of a variety of initiatives. For instance, the Park has a partnership with the Yosemite Area Transportation System to provide buses for the transportation of visitors from local communities on a regular basis. This partially alleviates traffic and decreases noise and gas pollution. According to official data, “people throw away over 3,200 tons of trash in Yosemite every year” (National Park Service, 2021, Climate change: How is the Park responding? para. 6). Based on the research and insights gathered, Yosemite has committed to a recycling program, which allows for recycling more than 980 tons of trash. Moreover, the Park ensures its contribution to an overall carbon footprint is minimal, which is why it has invested in renewable sources of energy such as solar panels. Apart from specific initiatives, it is crucial to acknowledge how Yosemite National Park manages to ensure its ecosystems and resources are protected from climate shifts. The Park management team ensures that it remains resistant to potential harm associated with global warming. The focus of Yosemite’s strategy is building resilience.
Apart from that, Yosemite pays close attention to its visitors. It gathers data on visits and visitor impact using an in-house research team and utilizes the latest findings in the field of environmental conservation. In 2019, almost 4.5 million people visited Yosemite National Park (Statista, 2021). These efforts result in the development of effective advice for visitors to help battle the effects of climate change while taking a stroll at one of Yosemite’s sites. These recommendations include carpooling and using public transportation to get to the Park, recycling, not throwing away trash in nature, saving energy as much as possible, and participating in a global discussion surrounding climate change.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Yosemite National Park is one of the oldest landmarks in the United States, with a rich history and diverse flairs and fauna. Thus, managing the Park is a great responsibility since Yosemite’s status requires the highest quality of care and conservation. The management team at Yosemite effectively utilizes the existing body of knowledge accumulated over the years and invests in numerous research and conservation initiatives. All of this is done with one goal – to minimize the impact of climate change on the Park’s resources, particularly its vulnerable ecosystems.
References
Gonzalez, P., Wang, F., Notaro, M., Vimont, D. J, & Williams, J. W. (2018). Disproportionate magnitude of climate change in United States national parks. Environmental Research Letters, 13(10), 1–12.
Meadows, S. (2021). What I saw in Yosemite was devastating. The New York Times. Web.
National Park Service. (2021). Environmental issues. NPS. Web.
Santos, M. J., Smith, A. B., Thorne, J. H. , & Moritz, C. (2017). The relative influence of change in habitat and climate on elevation range limits in small mammals in Yosemite National Park, California, U.S.A. Clim Chang Responses, 4(7).
Statista. (2021). Number of recreational visitors to Yosemite National Park in the United States from 2008 to 2020. Web.