National Parks at Risk: How Privatization Could Speed Up Climate Change

February 23, 2025 / activist360

Yosemite Valley, among the trees, in June 2023. Credit: Diana Bald

America’s national parks are powerful and beautiful. They are scenic vacation spots and part of our shared heritage. They are home to countless wildlife species and natural protectors against climate change. Recently, concerns have grown about privatization—the idea of private companies taking over or managing aspects of our national parks. Why does this matter? Privatization could change how these lands are cared for, possibly speeding up climate change and limiting public access.

Below we’ll share what privatization is, why it’s happening, and how it might put our parks—and our planet—at risk. You’ll learn about potential harm to wildlife and ecosystems and see how private profit-seeking might increase carbon pollution. Finally, we’ll look at the different sides of the debate and share ways you can help protect these treasures for future generations.

What Is National Park Privatization?

Privatization of national parks means involving private companies in running parts of a park—or, in more extreme cases, selling park land. While the second option is very rare and highly controversial, there are other, more common ways private interests can step in.

Concessions: This is when private businesses manage hotels, restaurants, campgrounds, or gift shops inside a national park. A company might build and operate a lodge while paying fees to the government.
Public-Private Partnerships: The government owns the park but hires or partners with a private operator to handle daily services, like cleaning facilities or running visitor centers.
Outright Sale: In uncommon situations, park land could be sold to a private entity, meaning it is no longer publicly owned.

Why It’s Happening

Many parks have significant funding gaps. According to the National Park Service (NPS), national parks in the United States face an estimated $11.9 billion maintenance backlog, meaning there’s a lot of work that needs to be done—like fixing roads, upgrading water systems, and repairing trails—but not enough money to do it all. Some people believe private companies can fill this gap by bringing in their own funds and running things more efficiently.

Why Do People Worry About Privatization?

Privatization sometimes gives private businesses room to push for more development—like building bigger hotels or even introducing commercial activities in delicate areas. This can mean fewer trees to absorb carbon dioxide, more greenhouse gas emissions from construction, and more energy use to support amenities like large resorts (Source: National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA)).

Loss of Public Control

Our national parks belong to all of us. When for-profit companies take a bigger role, everyday citizens can lose their say in how these lands are used. Government agencies like the National Park Service aim to protect wildlife, natural beauty, and our shared heritage. Private companies have a duty to earn profits. These two goals don’t always line up.

Risk of High Prices and Limited Access

Private businesses often raise fees to cover costs and make a profit. That might include higher prices for overnight stays, guided tours, or even basic park entry. Imagine a scenario where only those who can pay premium rates get to enjoy our national treasures. That kind of setup could exclude families on a budget or students looking to learn about nature firsthand.

How Could Privatization Speed Up Climate Change?

Privately built hotels, roads, and resorts can encroach on forests or wetlands that store carbon. Removing trees or filling in wetlands releases carbon that was previously locked away in plants and soil, adding to the greenhouse gases warming our planet.

When privatization weakens environmental protections, there’s a chance that companies will seek permission to mine, drill, or log on public lands near or even within parks. Extracting natural resources not only increases carbon emissions but also disrupts critical habitats for animals and plants.

A private operator looking for higher profits might want to draw large crowds. More visitors can be wonderful for education and appreciation, but it can also mean more cars, heavier traffic, and longer lines, all leading to additional exhaust fumes and higher greenhouse gas emissions.

Harm to Wildlife and Ecosystems

Big developments like roads, fences, or commercial sites can cut wildlife habitats into smaller pieces. When animals can’t move around freely to find food or migrate, their populations may decline. This fragmentation makes ecosystems more fragile and less able to bounce back from natural disasters linked to climate change.

Reduced Biodiversity

National parks often safeguard a vast range of plant and animal species. Overbuilding, pollution, and noise can push away or endanger species—leading to a drop in biodiversity. Healthy ecosystems rely on a balance of predators, prey, and plants. When that balance is lost, the entire system can unravel.

Less Resilient Ecosystems

Forests, wetlands, and grasslands inside parks help lessen the worst impacts of climate change by storing carbon, stabilizing soils, and buffering against floods. If these areas become fragmented or polluted, they can’t protect us as effectively from the rising threats of wildfires, severe storms, or droughts (Source: United Nations Environment Programme).

Different Sides of the Argument

We’re stunned by the concept of loosing national parks that belong to all of us to private ownership of a few. Privatization supporters argue that private companies could bring much-needed funding, potentially fix aging facilities, and even offer new innovations—like using clean energy in park buildings. They also point out that private partnerships might generate jobs for local communities. Critics worry that a focus on profit could weaken conservation efforts, possibly leading to higher entrance fees that shut out families or lower-income visitors. They also warn that private operators may not face the same level of public oversight, which could make environmental regulations harder to enforce.

Arguments For Privatization

May bring more money to fix trails, roads, and park facilities.
Could create jobs in local communities, especially around tourism.
Potential for private innovation, such as using solar power in new building projects if the contract requires it.

Arguments Against Privatization

Profit motives overlook long-term conservation and climate goals.
Increased fees could limit public access and make visiting too expensive for many people.
Less accountability and oversight mean environmental standards may not be enforced strictly.

Actions Concerned Citizens Can Take

You don’t need a science degree or a powerful position to help protect our parks. Here are some ways you can make a difference:

Stay Informed
- Subscribe to newsletters from organizations like the National Parks Conservation Association or the Sierra Club.
- Monitor local and national news to learn about any privatization bills or policies that might affect your favorite park.
Speak Up
- Contact your elected officials—call, email, or meet them at a town hall—and share your concerns about privatization proposals.
- Write letters to local newspapers or post on social media to raise awareness.
Support Public Funding
- Advocate for strong public budgets for parks. For instance, the Great American Outdoors Act helps fund maintenance and conservation projects without relying solely on private money.
- Encourage your community to vote in favor of bond measures or other funding initiatives that keep parks public and well-maintained.
Volunteer and Donate
- Donate to nonprofits dedicated to conservation and biodiversity.
- Look for volunteer programs in local or national parks, where you can help maintain trails or educate visitors about conservation.

Final Thoughts

National parks belong to everyone. While privatization might seem like a quick fix to budget problems, it can have serious effects on our climate and on the health of these special places. Private operators could prioritize profits over the long-term well-being of wildlife and ecosystems, leading to more carbon emissions and less public involvement.

By staying informed, speaking up, and supporting strong public funding, you can help protect national parks for generations to come. Your voice matters in deciding how these natural wonders should be cared for. With a little effort, we can make sure our parks remain open, wild, and resilient in a changing climate—leaving a healthy legacy for those who come after us.

Sources

How Climate Change Is Changing Our Coastal Forests

January 19, 2025 / activist360

Map of change between sampling intervals in forest area for low and mid elevation (crossed) counties derived from the FIA. Vector shapefiles were retrieved from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Imagine driving along the coast and seeing rows of lifeless trees standing in pools of water—gray, leafless, and eerie. These “ghost forests” are appearing along the eastern United States, and they tell a sobering story about how climate change is reshaping our coastal landscapes. Coastal forests, which provide critical benefits to both people and wildlife, are disappearing or transforming at an alarming rate.

What Are Coastal Forests and Why Are They Important?

Coastal forests are unique woodlands found near the shorelines of oceans, bays, and estuaries. These forests thrive in areas with a mix of salty and fresh water, making them different from inland forests.

Coastal forests are essential for:

Wildlife Habitat: They provide homes for birds, fish, and other animals that rely on both land and water ecosystems.
Flood Protection: Their trees and soil act as natural barriers, absorbing water and reducing the impact of floods and storm surges.
Carbon Storage: Coastal forests capture and store large amounts of carbon dioxide, which helps slow the pace of global warming.

These vital ecosystems are under threat. Rising sea levels, stronger storms, and higher temperatures are causing widespread damage. Many trees are dying, leaving behind ghost forests where thriving woodlands once stood.

How Climate Change Is Impacting Coastal Forests

Climate change is reshaping coastal forests in profound ways, driven by rising sea levels, stronger storms, and increasing temperatures. Each of these factors contributes to the gradual transformation of these ecosystems, creating significant challenges for their survival.

Sea Level Rise: As sea levels rise, saltwater moves further inland, soaking the roots of trees that cannot survive in salty conditions. Over time, these trees die, creating ghost forests. Areas like the Chesapeake Bay have seen this transformation accelerate, as low-lying forests succumb to saltwater intrusion.
Stronger Storms: Hurricanes and tropical storms are becoming more intense due to climate change. These storms knock down trees, flood forest areas, and create conditions that make it harder for new trees to grow. While some forests recover, many do not, leading to a permanent loss of trees and wildlife habitats.
Warming Temperatures: Rising temperatures put stress on coastal forests by changing the types of trees and plants that can survive. Warmer weather can also make forests more vulnerable to pests and diseases, further accelerating tree loss.

What This Means for Us

The disappearance of coastal forests has far-reaching consequences that go beyond the trees themselves. From influencing the global climate to protecting communities and wildlife, these ecosystems play a critical role in maintaining balance.

Carbon Storage: Coastal forests are powerful carbon sinks, meaning they absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When these forests die, they release this stored carbon back into the air, worsening global warming.
Flood Protection: Without coastal forests, communities are more exposed to flooding and storm surges. These natural barriers are irreplaceable in their ability to protect homes, roads, and other infrastructure from water damage.
Wildlife Impact: The loss of coastal forests means many animals lose their homes. Birds, amphibians, and fish that rely on these ecosystems are forced to relocate—or they may not survive at all.

What Can Be Done?

While the challenges facing coastal forests are significant, there are practical steps we can take to protect and restore these vital ecosystems. From preserving existing forests to adapting to the realities of climate change, these actions offer hope for the future.

1. Protect Existing Forests

Taking steps to safeguard the forests we still have is crucial for their survival.

Limit construction and development near coastal areas to reduce stress on these ecosystems.
Establish protected zones where forests can thrive without human interference.

2. Plant More Trees

Replanting trees native to the land can restore damaged forests and strengthen their resilience against climate change.

Reforestation efforts can help rebuild damaged areas and increase the number of trees that store carbon.
Focus on planting salt-tolerant species, native to the land, in vulnerable areas to adapt to rising sea levels.

3. Adapt to Climate Change

Adapting to the realities of climate change can help protect coastal forests and ensure their long-term survival.

Build barriers or channels to prevent saltwater from reaching inland forests.
Use technology and research to monitor changes in forest health and plan for future challenges.

Summing Up

Coastal forests are lifelines for wildlife, shields against floods, and crucial allies in the fight against climate change. Saving these forests matters, not only for the environment but also for the well-being of communities that rely on them. Conservation efforts and innovative solutions are helping some coastal forests recover. And, with collective action, we can ensure these vital ecosystems continue to thrive for generations to come.

Source: Ardón, M., Potter, K. M., White, E., Jr., & Woodall, C. W. (2025). Coastal carbon sentinels: A decade of forest change along the eastern shore of the US signals complex climate change dynamics. PLOS Climate, 4(1), e0000444. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pclm.0000444. See the data.

How a Wild Orangutan’s Use of Medicinal Plants Reveals the Secrets of Animal Intelligence

May 12, 2024 / activist360

Left: Pictures of Fibraurea tinctoria leaves. The length of the leaves is between 15 to 17 cm. Right: Rakus feeding on Fibraurea tinctoria leaves (photo taken on June 26, the day after applying the plant mesh to the wound). Scientific Reports (Sci Rep) ISSN 2045-2322.

Nature’s Ingenious Healers

In a new study documented in the lush rainforests of the Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia, a male Sumatran orangutan has been observed applying a biologically active plant to a facial wound. This intriguing behavior not only showcases the intelligence of orangutans but also opens new avenues in understanding the evolutionary origins of medicine. Here’s an overview of this fascinating study, which could reshape our understanding of non-human self-medication and its implications for natural healing practices.

Intelligent Healing: Orangutan’s Use of Medicinal Plants

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior and several Indonesian institutions captured a rare and enlightening behavior exhibited by a male Sumatran orangutan named Rakus. After sustaining a facial wound, Rakus was observed selecting, chewing, and applying leaves from the Fibraurea tinctoria plant—commonly known as Akar Kuning—directly onto the wound. Over several days, he applied the masticated leaves and juice, effectively managing his injury.

Process of wound healing. Rakus fed on and later applied the masticated leaves of Fibraurea tinctoria to his facial wound on June 25. On June 26 he was again observed feeding on Fibraurea tinctoria leaves (see photo). By June 30 the wound was closed and by August 25 was barely visible anymore. Scientific Reports (Sci Rep) ISSN 2045-2322.

Fibraurea Tinctoria: Nature’s Pharmacy

Akar Kuning is not just any plant; it’s a cornerstone of traditional medicine in Southeast Asia, renowned for its analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The study highlights the presence of furanoditerpenoids and protoberberine alkaloids in the plant, compounds known for their antibacterial and healing capabilities. This suggests that Rakus’s choice of treatment was not coincidental but driven by an intrinsic understanding or learned behavior regarding the plant’s medicinal benefits.

Implications for Human and Veterinary Medicine

This behavior documented by the research team is among the first systematically observed case of a wild animal using a biologically active substance for wound treatment, providing invaluable insights into the potential origins of medicinal practices among humans.

Active wound treatment among great apes was only recently observed for the first time outside of the Sumatran orangutan. In Loango National Park, Gabon, researchers documented chimpanzees from the Rekambo community using insects as a form of medication. These chimpanzees applied insects to their own wounds and those of their peers, with nineteen instances of self-treatment and three instances where they treated other members of their community. This behavior provides further evidence of the sophisticated self-medication practices that exist within the great ape species.

The findings could have significant implications not only for understanding animal behavior but also for veterinary and even human medicine, offering natural alternatives or complements to synthetic drugs.

Evolutionary Perspectives on Health

The observation suggests that the use of medicinal plants is possibly an evolved trait among great apes, indicating that such practices could date back to common ancestors shared with humans. This behavior demonstrates a complex level of cognitive function and environmental awareness, suggesting that orangutans might be capable of health management practices that have evolved independently but parallel to human developments.

Future Research and Conservation Efforts

The study underscores the importance of continued research and conservation efforts in the habitats of orangutans. Understanding their behavior and environment not only helps protect these intelligent creatures but also aids in preserving the rich biodiversity of the rainforests, which holds untapped potential for medicinal discoveries.

Summing Up

The self-medication behavior exhibited by the Sumatran orangutan opens up new dialogues in both the scientific community and public sphere about the cognitive capabilities of non-human primates and their conservation. As we delve deeper into the natural world’s secrets, such studies are pivotal in bridging the gap between human and animal health practices, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life on Earth.

By promoting awareness and fostering research in these critical areas, we can better appreciate our closest living relatives’ sophisticated behaviors and the natural resources that our planet has to offer. This study is not just a testament to the intelligence of orangutans but also a call to action for conservation and respect for wildlife and their natural habitats.