people

The issue of climate change long ago moved beyond the realm of scientific research.  One can now be involved with the issue of climate change in a variety of contexts: scientific research, engineering, policy creation, management, and probably more.  The primary focus of this blog is to cover scientific research in regards to climate (along with people and wildlands).  Much of the science out there, however, is difficult for the layperson to understand and reading science journal papers isn't always easy or accessible.  In light of this, I thought that today I'd include links to two reports that examine 1) climate change in the interior West and 2) climate change in Montana.  Both reports are written for a general audience.  While both of these reports cover some of the important science, they also look at policy and action.  Please keep in mind the organizations/groups that authored these reports as you read them.  Both contain excellent scientific information, but also contain policy opinions and recommendations - pay attention to the difference.  Happy reading.
Report: Hotter and Drier: The West's Changed Climate
This report was released in March 2008 and authored by the Rocky Mountain Climate Organization and the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Report: Changing Climate, Changing Future: Montana in an Era of Climate Change
The National Center for Appropriate Technology published this report in 2009 to provide a summary and guide to the recommendations made by the Montana Climate Change Advisory Committee, which was appointed by Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer in 2005.  The Committee's original report can be downloaded in two parts: Montana Climate Change Action Plan.
 

The Clark Fork Coalition released the report Low Flows, Hot Trout in July 2008 in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation. While the report covers science and policy/action (policy/action is not the purpose of this blog), the science section of the report is a nice overview of climate change science and impacts for the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Though the Clark Fork Watershed is not in the GYE proper, the issues faced there - e.g., increasing temperatures, earlier snowmelt and runoff, higher likelihood of wildfire and insect outbreaks - are the same as those in the GYE. Also, many of the studies referenced in the report look at all of Montana.

After looking at the Low Flows, Hot Trout report, check out these science sources:

Journal Article: The report reference list does include a Phil Mote publication looking at snowpack. This article, however, is more recent and covers a larger area of the west.
Journal Article: One more Phil Mote journal article looking at snowpack trends.

BSI resource: Lisa Graumlich, the former executive director for the Big Sky Institute, published work with a student and colleague looking at climate change impacts on conifer distribution in the GYE.

IPCC Report: The Clark Fork Coalition's report refers to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and their work several times. This summary document by the IPCC explores the scientific basis for climate change understanding.