State Wildlife Action Plans and Climate Change
Global warming poses the largest threat to wildlife and natural ecosystems ever experienced in human history. The healthy ecosystems that we depend upon for safe drinking water, flood protection, food, healthy fisheries, forest products, clean air, pollination of crops and so many other benefits are in serious peril around the world.
To help species and ecosystems survive climate change, we must improve the resiliency of wildlife habitats and maintain healthy, connected, genetically diverse populations. As the pace of climate change continues to accelerate and fish and wildlife face the mounting threat, the National Wildlife Federation is helping state fish and wildlife agencies address the challenge of evolving wildlife management and planning strategies.
Wildlife Action Plans were developed by each state and territory. The plans help conserve wildlife and vital natural areas before they become rare and more costly to protect. The plans assess the condition of each state’s wildlife and habitats, identify problems they face, and outline actions that are needed to conserve them over the long-term. To ensure these actions will continue to protect species as conditions change due to climate change, it is important that states integrate new science and adaptation strategies into the Plans. Plans are slated to be updated every five years, providing an opportunity to revise the plans to deal with climate change. As the most comprehensive blueprint for protecting wildlife and habitats, Wildlife Action Plans provide an ideal framework for states to address climate change impacts to wildlife.
NWF Commitment
NWF is committed to working on climate change and in particular to protecting wildlife from climate change. NWF is working to secure dedicated funding to states in federal climate change legislation. NWF also believes the state wildlife action plans are the best framework to address climate change.
NWF is working in multiple states with state fish and wildlife agencies, its affiliates, and other partners to update wildlife action plans to address climate change. We are assisting with stakeholder workshops, vulnerability assessments, and adaptation planning.
States Where We Work
Virginia
Washington
Florida
North Carolina
New York
Vermont
Texas
Michigan
Montana
California