Examining the Impacts of Climate Change in Northwest Montana
For the average citizen, ignoring the implications of a changing climate has become an impossibility. The national news cycle is filled with natural disasters that continue to increase in both frequency and ferocity. Still, for many folks in Montana, issues such as rising sea levels can seem a world away. Today though, as we navigate another nightmarish fire season, the harsh reality is that the dangers associated with climate change are becoming more prevalent in our home state. Below, we will discuss some of the biggest climate related issues facing Northwest Montana today and beyond.
Increases in Forest Fires
Here in Northwest Montana, we have always relied heavily on snowpack to maintain equilibrium for our environment, unfortunately as the climate warms our snowpack levels could be in jeopardy. A warming climate will impact Northwest Montana’s snowpack levels in a multitude of ways, most notably though rising temperatures will cause less precipitation to fall in the form of snow and more snow to melt in the early portions of the winter. While this will have a number of economic impacts on Northwest Montana that we will explore later, the most pressing issue will be an increase in forest fires throughout our corner of the state.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), roughly two percent of Montana’s land has burned per decade since 1984. These forest fires consistently result in degradation of natural habitat for various species as well as extensive property damage. While forest fires are a natural occurrence in Montana, the rising temperatures have already begun to increase the number of fires per year nationwide.
Statistics compiled by the National Interagency Coordination Center found that in 2022 there were 10,000 more wildland fires throughout the United States than in 2021. While this rise may not be entirely related to Climate Change, lack of snowpack will have a direct impact on the number of fires in Northwest Montana, and we are feeling that impact today.
Economic Impacts
There is no doubt that for certain portions of the population, the only way to approach a substantive conversation about climate mitigation is through discussing the economic implications of Climate Change. Here in Northwest Montana, there will be no shortage of damaging economic ramifications if temperatures continue to rise.
As mentioned above, lack of snowpack could have a devastating impact on forest fires, but it will also impact our local economy. For one, less snowpack, and decreased precipitation will directly result in lower river levels. Every year, thousands of locals and tourists alike raft on Northwest Montana’s pristine waterways. White water rafting has become its micro-economy in our part of the state, and a changing climate will have significant ramifications. For those choosing to fish on Montana’s rivers, studies show that Climate Change could result in restricted fishing seasons and seasonal closures, conflicts due to water scarcity, and displacement of natural fish species.
During the winter, even larger numbers of families flock to the Flathead to ski. According to studies conducted by the Montana Wildlife Federation, “skiers, snowmobilers, and winter recreationists of all sorts will have to recreate in a winter that is significantly shorter, significantly warmer, and has significantly less snowpack as more precipitation comes in the form of rain as opposed to snow.”
From an agricultural perspective, warmer temperatures will have an equally negative impact. First and foremost, warmer temperatures promote the growth of weeds and pests that can be detrimental to agricultural properties. Secondly, cows and other animals eat less and grow at a slower pace during higher temperatures. Over the next 70 years the number of days above 100 degrees in Montana is slated to double.
A Silver Lining
While Montana’s economy and natural environment will be impacted by Climate Change, there is hope for a better tomorrow. Climate activists are speaking out in our state and beyond at an unprecedented level. Montana also has the third highest green energy potential in the United States and is poised to be a major player in a new era of sustainability. At Northstone Solar, we hope to be a small part of the movement toward a greener Montana economy.
Sources:
https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-09/documents/climate-change-mt.pdf