Tag: Ecosystems

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

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Yosemite Valley, among the trees.
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
  • 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.

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Understanding Nature’s Seasonal “Breathing” and the Carbon Cycle in Northern High Latitudes

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Tree in four different seasons
Tree in four different seasons: winter, spring, summer, fall.

How Seasonal Shifts in the Northern High Latitudes Impact Global Carbon Levels and Climate Stability

Climate change affects not only temperatures but also how ecosystems manage and cycle carbon dioxide (CO₂). Below we explore how rising temperatures and increasing CO₂ levels in Arctic and boreal regions—collectively called northern high latitudes (NHL)—are creating seasonal shifts in CO₂ levels. These changes impact our planet’s “carbon thermostat” and could intensify global warming if left unchecked. Let’s dive into the drivers behind these changes and how we can use this knowledge to shape a healthier future for our planet.

Defining Seasonal Cycle Amplitude (SCA)

Imagine Earth “breathing” with each season: in the spring and summer, trees and plants in the northern high latitudes absorb CO₂ during photosynthesis, much like an inhale. They use this CO₂ to grow, pulling it from the atmosphere and helping cool the planet. When autumn and winter arrive, these plants release CO₂ back into the air as they decompose—much like an exhale. This seasonal fluctuation in CO₂ is known as the Seasonal Cycle Amplitude (SCA).

Over the last several decades, the “inhale” in summer and “exhale” in winter has become more extreme. Plants are taking in even more CO₂ in warmer months and releasing more in cooler ones. This intensifying cycle is linked to higher CO₂ levels in the air and warming temperatures in the NHL, turning nature’s “breath” into a stronger force in the global carbon cycle.

Primary Drivers of SCA Increase

The increase in the seasonal CO₂ cycle, especially in the NHL, is due to several interacting forces. Here’s a look at the primary drivers behind this intensified “breathing”:

  • Warming Temperatures: Arctic areas are warming faster than the rest of the world, which means that plants have a longer growing season to capture CO₂. This extended period of photosynthesis results in more CO₂ being absorbed during warmer months.

  • CO₂ Fertilization: Plants use CO₂ as fuel to grow. With more CO₂ in the atmosphere, plants have more “food” available, which can increase their growth and further boost CO₂ absorption.

  • Increased Respiration: Warmer temperatures cause more CO₂ to be released back into the atmosphere as organic matter decomposes. This process, called respiration, also happens in winter due to permafrost thaw, releasing even more CO₂.

These factors combined are driving an intensified cycle, making the NHL a more powerful influence on our planet’s CO₂ levels.

Regional Influences

Different regions within the NHL—primarily the Arctic areas of North America and Eurasia—play unique roles in this changing cycle. Here’s how each contributes:

  • Eurasian Boreal Forests: These forests, especially in Siberia, are major players in absorbing CO₂. Warmer temperatures have enabled these forests to grow longer and stronger, contributing significantly to CO₂ uptake.

  • North American Boreal Forests: Although North America’s boreal forests are also absorbing CO₂, they are more sensitive to drought. This means they may absorb less CO₂ during dry years compared to Eurasia’s forests, which are often moister due to atmospheric changes.

Differences in forest types, moisture levels, and permafrost also mean that these regions respond to climate change in varied ways, affecting their role in the carbon cycle.

Projections for the Future

Looking ahead, the seasonal cycle of CO₂ is expected to continue intensifying in the NHL throughout the 21st century. Under high-emission scenarios, scientists project that by the end of the century, the NHL’s seasonal CO₂ cycle could be 75% stronger than it was in the 1980s.

What does this mean for global climate? This intensified “breathing” cycle means the NHL will continue to influence Earth’s “carbon thermostat” more dramatically. With higher CO₂ intake in the growing season and increased release during the colder months, this cycle could speed up the warming effects of greenhouse gases on our climate.

Recommendations for the Future

To better understand and manage these changes, scientists recommend several strategies to improve our knowledge of the carbon cycle in the NHL and inform climate policy:

  • Expand Monitoring Networks: Building more observation stations in under-monitored areas like tundras and Siberian forests will provide a clearer picture of CO₂ dynamics and seasonal trends.

  • Refine Climate Models: Current models should better account for factors like permafrost thaw and snow cover to accurately predict seasonal CO₂ fluctuations.

  • Support More Research: Understanding the impacts of landscape changes—such as forest growth, wildfires, and vegetation shifts—will help pinpoint how each factor influences CO₂ release and capture.

Taking these steps will help scientists and policymakers better gauge the impact of NHL ecosystems on the global carbon cycle and adapt climate policies accordingly.

Summing Up

Understanding the “breathing” cycles of the NHL offers a valuable key to shaping our climate future. By integrating more data from these regions, scientists can strengthen climate models, allowing for improved predictions and more precise climate targets. These insights also enhance policy decisions, as a better grasp of Arctic and boreal ecosystem dynamics can guide effective climate policies tailored to address the growing impact of CO₂ levels from these areas.

This seasonal “breathing” of Earth’s northern high latitudes reminds us that even the planet’s most remote areas have a crucial role in our shared climate future. By monitoring and adapting to these changes, we can contribute to a healthier, more balanced Earth.

Source: Liu, Z., Rogers, B. M., Keppel-Aleks, G., et al. (2024). Seasonal CO₂ amplitude in northern high latitudes. Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, 5(11), 802–817. https://www.umt.edu/news/2024/11/110824ntsg.php

Forest Whispers: Respecting Nature’s Kinship and the Hidden Dialogue of Trees

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Hawai’ian Kahuna Insights: Ancient Wisdom of the Islands

With the damage caused by the Lahaina inferno fresh in our minds, we went searching for Hawai’ian wisdom. We came across a very wise Hawai’i Kūpuna Elder, Kimokeo Kapahulehua. In this TikTok post, he shares sage advice that can benefit humanity, and protect our biodiversity.

You cannot go to the forest and just take a tree.
You have to ask Laka.
She’s the goddess of the forest. That’s her child.
Why do you want to take her child without permission?
And as the canoe maker, and as…
He has to go up and tell Laka
“I’m going to take one of your child[ren], and I’m going to make it into a canoe.”
Laka will be very happy when you take her child and make it into many lives and serve many, many people.
We cannot just take.
We need to give.
So if you take one of her child[ren], maybe you should go plant?
And give back Laka 40 children.
Take the seed of the plant and take it right back to the same location because her children would like to be born with the parents, and the great grandparents, and the great great grandparents.
Don’t take her child from the forest to another forest because they will all grow better with their family.
Like us.

—Kimokeo Kapahulehua, Kūpuna Elder

Elder’s Wisdom is Backed by Science

Science suggests that trees can “communicate” with each other through a complex network of mycorrhizal fungi. This underground network allows trees to exchange nutrients, send warning signals about environmental changes, and share resources with one another.

Dr. Suzanne Simard, a professor of forest ecology at the University of British Columbia, is one of the primary researchers in this area. In her studies, she found that trees can transfer carbon, water, and nutrients to other trees in times of need. She discovered that mother trees recognize their kin and send them more carbon below ground. They reduce their own root competition to make elbow room for their kids.

“When mother trees are injured or dying, they also send messages of wisdom on to the next generation of seedlings.”

—Dr. Suzanne Simard, Professor, RPF, Leader of The Mother Tree Project, Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia

These findings validate the guidance shared by Kūpuna Elder, Kimokeo Kapahulehua.

Further, planting trees in non-native environments can have diverse ecological consequences. Research has shown that non-native trees can impact local ecosystems by:

  • Changing soil properties
  • Loss of humidity
  • Introduction of invasive alien species and disease
  • Negative impacts on biodiversity
  • Higher risks of adverse effects of fires and stores

When non-native tree species become invasive, they can outcompete, displace native species, alter habitat structures, and even change the soil properties and nutrient cycling.

It’s Time to Listen to the Wisdom

Whether we choose to listen to the wisdom of our elders or to science, climate disasters that are increasingly common underscore the urgency of listening and acting upon this wisdom.

Sources:

  • Simard, S.W., Beiler, K.J., Bingham, M.A., Deslippe, J.R., Philip, L.J., & Teste, F.P. (2012). Mycorrhizal networks: mechanisms, ecology and modelling. Fungal Biology Reviews, 26(1), 39-60.
  • Source: Brockerhoff, E.G., Jactel, H., Parrotta, J.A., Quine, C.P., & Sayer, J. (2008). Plantation forests and biodiversity: oxymoron or opportunity? Biodiversity and Conservation, 17(5), 925-951.
Maui, Hawaii 023 Lahaina, Banyan Tree, Allie_Caulfield from Germany, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Maui, Hawaii 023 Lahaina, Banyan Tree, Allie_Caulfield from Germany, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons