Issues: Wildlands

All Documents in Wildlands Tagged wildfires

Hotter and Drier
The West's Changed Climate

Report
Human activities are already changing the climate of the American West. This report by the Rocky Mountain Climate Organization (RMCO) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), drawn from 50 scientific studies, 125 other government and scientific sources, and our own new analyses, documents that the West is being affected more by a changed climate than any other part of the United States outside of Alaska. When compared to the 20th century average, the West has experienced an increase in average temperature during the last five years that is 70 percent greater than the world as a whole. Responding quickly at all levels of government by embracing the solutions that are available is critical to minimizing further disruption of this region’s climate and economy.
Safe at Home
Issue Paper
Every summer, images of wildfires dominate TV screens and newspaper headlines. Yet despite the effort -- and the money -- that goes into emergency response, fires destroy hundreds of homes and whole neighborhoods in the American West during wildfire season. This 2007 issue paper outlines NRDC's pilot study of fire protection in the Love Creek community in the Sierra Nevada mountains, and describes how Western communities and homeowners can protect themselves against fire threats with proven techniques known as "firewise" measures. In addition, we recommend changes to federal fire policy to prioritize community and resident safety.
Wildfires in Western Forests
Issue Paper
This May 2003 NRDC policy paper summarizes the best available science and analysis on Western wildfires and woodland community protection.
The National Fire Plan
Testimony
Testimony of Nathaniel Lawrence, NRDC senior attorney, before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Forests and Public Land Management of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Documents Tagged wildfires in All Sections

Consequences of Global Warming
Overview
A hotter planet means dirtier air and water, more severe floods and droughts, more wildfires and other serious consequences.
Feeling the Heat in Florida
Global Warming on the Local Level

Report
Accelerated climate change may seem like a remote concern to most Floridians, but in fact, global warming threatens the beautiful coastal communities and tourist-driven prosperity the state is known for. This October 2001 NRDC report finds that global warming in Florida will lead to coastal floods, saltwater contamination of underground drinking water supplies, more frequent wildfires, declining crop yields, and severe deterioration of the state's unique Everglades and coral-reef ecosystems. While the worst effects won't come for several decades, the report makes it clear that state officials should begin preparing now and reduce the pollution that causes global warming.
Global Warming Threatens Florida
The changing climate will have a profound effect on the Sunshine State's citizens, economy and environment.

News
An October 2001 study finds that the far-reaching effects of global warming will transform Florida's climate, coastline and treasured natural areas in ways that will profoundly affect the state's economy and agriculture, as well as the health of its people.
How Global Warming Will Affect Floridians
A photo essay exploring the consequences of climate change for Florida residents, businesses and visitors.

Overview
Climate change is bringing big alterations to our landscapes, and big costs with it -- especially for coastal communities. These pages show how Floridians in different professions and different age groups, with various hobbies and from various walks of life are all facing a profoundly different Sunshine State.

For additional policy documents, see the NRDC Document Bank.

Sign up for NRDC's online newsletter

See the latest issue >

Clean Energy Common Sense - Buy Now
Shop Smart, Save Forests

Related Stories

Q&A: Documentary Filmmaker Ken Burns on National Parks
Ken Burn spoke to OnEarth about his motivation for his new documentary series on America's national parks.
In the Canadian Boreal Forest, a Conservation Ethic at Work
After fighting successfully for years to keep destructive logging, hydropower and mining projects out of their traditional territory, the people of Poplar River are now working to secure permanent protection for their boreal forest homeland.

Find NRDC on
YouTube