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Ecosystems and Biodiversity

Key Points:

  • Warmer and generally wetter conditions coupled with elevated atmospheric CO2 will impact seasonal water availability, and plant phenology and physiological responses.
  • Wildfire, pathogens, and human disturbances will diminish habitat quality in all ecosystems.
  • Adaptation will require a better understanding of plausible ecological responses to climate change and other stressors, and increased flexibility in decision making.
Resilience Analysis and Planning Tool (RAPT)
Total Water Level and Coastal Change Forecast Viewer
Rapid Vulnerability & Adaptation Tool for Climate-Informed Community Planning
Scenario Planning for Crops and Cattle
Resilient Agriculture: Weather Ready Farms eFieldbook

Agriculture

Key Points:

  • Agriculture is an integral component of the economy, history, and culture of the Northern Great Plains. 
  • Rising temperatures and changes in extreme weather events are having negative impacts on some agricultural systems in parts of the region. 
  • A longer frost-free period could benefit agriculture in some ways; for example, by extending the grazing season or enabling new crop varieties. However, it could also increase pests, weeds, and invasive species.

Water

Key Points:

  • Effective water management is essential for people, crops and livestock, ecosystems, and the energy industry.
  • Small changes in annual precipitation have large effects downstream.
  • Increased climate variability may result in more extreme events.
  • Projections include future changes in precipitation patterns, warmer temperatures, and the potential for more extreme rainfall events.
Climate Futures Toolbox
Hurricane Preparation and Recovery Commodity Guides
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