A new report shows that climate change has significantly impacted Grand Canyon National Park and the surrounding landscape over the last century.
The National Resource Stewardship and Science Directorate found annual average temperatures increased by nearly 1.9 degrees over the course of a century.
According to park leaders, this warming has had a physical and ecological impact on everything from the flow of the Colorado River to wildfires and the local wildlife population.
Future models show temperatures will only get warmer in the greater Grand Canyon area.
Officials say this research will help park managers establish climate-informed goals and strategies to adapt to this new reality. They plan to release more information on initiatives to address climate change in the coming months.
