Climate and energy

This time of year, many Kansans take to the fields and lakes of our state to hunt.  However, it’s not just Kansans who appreciate the state’s wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities – tourists flock here as well -  to the tune of $541 million.

That revenue is in jeopardy though, as climate change alters the migration patterns and habitat of Kansas wildlife.

The National Conference of State Legislatures is a bipartisan organization that provides research and technical assistance to state legislatures.  One of their reports, Assessing the Costs of Climate Change – Kansas, looks at the potential economic impacts of climate change for Kansas.  In addition to the agricultural and health impacts that we frequently hear about, the report also details the impacts to Kansas hungers and anglers:

“Diminishing or changing wildlife populations could affect some aspects of tourism and recreation, including hunting, fishing and bird watching. In 2001, the fishing and hunting industries brought in $541 million from both out-of-state tourists and Kansas residents.  Kansas wetlands are critical to migratory waterfowl navigation. It is estimated that half of all migratory shore birds in the United States stop at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Stafford, Kansas.   Rising temperatures could shift the stopping point for these birds northward, taking with it revenue from birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Thus, deteriorating habitat due to climate change jeopardizes not only wildlife populations but also a source of tourism revenue.”

The NCSL also provides an energy legislation database – that tracks energy and environment legislation to bring you up to date, real-time information on bills that have been introduced in the fifty states and the District of Columbia.

-posted by Eileen Horn, climateandenergy.org