They are pristine pockets of nature that draw thousands of visitors each year. Although, it’s possible they might not be around forever. Despite protective laws and the care provided by the National Parks Service, U.S. national parks are not completely safe from harm. Here are just five threats to US national parks that could shut them down.
Climate Change
If they continue on the current trajectory, rising sea levels and fluctuations in temperatures will eventually impact many national parks. The glaciers in Glacier National Park may cease to exist due to increased temperatures. Meanwhile, droughts could lead to more wildfires in other areas. Changes in yearly rainfall could wipe out certain species of plants, or give invasive species the opportunity to overtake their indigenous competitors. Animals will be affected as well. They could possibly forced to migrate out of their natural habitats due to changes in the environment.
Air Pollution
While the land within national parks is protected, there’s nothing to stop pollutants from entering through the air. Power plant emissions already make their way into the southern Appalachian Mountains in Great Smoky Mountain National Park and become trapped there. Poor air quality can kill plants and poison water supplies.
Dwindling Water Supplies
There are 10 U.S. national parks located in Colorado that are in some way connected to the Colorado River. Although, more and more freshwater is being diverted to local cities and farmlands. Loss of water will wipe out plants and drive animals to find new homes. It’s the same in Florida’s Biscayne National Park where increasing demands from a growing population are causing a freshwater shortage in this park.
Crumbling Infrastructure
Tightening budgets have put a strain on park maintenance, leading to a multi-million dollar maintenance backlog at parks across the U.S. Park roads are falling into disrepair, as are hiking trails and in-park transportation like shuttle buses.
People
Sadly, the very visitors the parks rely upon for income are also one of the five threats to national parks. Vandals have desecrated many ancient artworks held within these parks, some of which can never recover. Some parks are even allowing or increasing access to national park lands for motorized vehicles to attract more visitors, yet these items also have a negative impact on the environment.
Related: The Human Role in the Destruction of Wildlife Habitat & Habitat Destruction: A Human Problem
Featured Image from Ross Stone/Unsplash
