Climate change and ecosystems of theMid-Atlantic Region

Climate Research

John P. McCarty¹  Catriona E. Rogers¹ 

关键词: Ecosystems;    Societal values;    Climate change;    Mid-Atlantic Regional Assessment;    Ecological;   

DOI  :  10.3354/cr014235

来源: Inter-Research Science Publishing

【 摘 要 】

ABSTRACT: This paper discusses the current status of forested, wetland, freshwater and coastal ecosystems; the combined impacts of habitat alteration, pollution and non-native invasive species on those systems; how climatic changes could interact withexisting stresses; potential management strategies, and crucial research gaps. Changes in climate and climate variability would significantly affect natural ecosystems, and may pose additional threats to the already-stressed ecosystems of the Mid-AtlanticRegion (MAR). Fragmentation of the MAR¹s forests may hinder the migration of some species. Urban development and wetland losses leave the MAR¹s rivers and streams and near-shore areas vulnerable to damages if the frequency and intensity of stormsincrease. Inputs of sediments, nutrients and toxic chemicals to streams, lakes and estuaries might increase if precipitation increases. Accelerated sea-level rise could accelerate the loss of coastal wetlands. Estuaries are sensitive to changes intemperature, salinity and nutrient loads, and could be adversely affected by projected climatic changes. Populations of rare, native species could decline, while problems with non-native invasive species, such as kudzu and gypsy moths, might increase. Thebest strategies to protect ecosystems from climatic changes may be those that reduce other stresses, thus increasing resilience to a variety of stresses. Societal priorities for ecosystem protection need to be articulated, and research is needed into thevalues of ecosystems, ecosystem functioning, human impacts, long-term ecological monitoring, and management options to provide a basis for selecting effective measures.

【 授权许可】

Unknown