Climate change and the Rocky Mountains
Byrne JM, Fagre D, MacDonald R. 2014. Climate change and the Rocky Mountains. Pages 432-463. In Impact of Global Changes on Mountains: Responses and Adaptation. CRC Press. Boca Raton, FL
The discussion in this chapter addresses the impacts of climate change in the Rocky Mountains. Climate change is real and ever present, and the role of each of us in changing the climate is also real and present. The Rocky Mountains are a vast and complex region that is valuable both for resources and ecosystems. The Rockies cannot provide the valuable resources we need and treasure, particularly clean plentiful water, unless we protect and conserve mountain ecosystems. Hopefully the discussion in this chapter of the major changes ongoing in the Rocky Mountains due to climate change will help understand the impacts of climate change and add to the collective will in society to minimize this change in future.