New Mexico

A mapping tool that allows the user to model climate, hydrology, agriculture, or fire with a variety of variables. The user can choose the time scale, variable, and calendar time period.

This video describes the effect that climate is having on forest health and wildfires along the Rocky Mountain range.

The assessment examines what climate and climate change mean for the health and well-being of human populations and the environment throughout the Southwestern United States, an area of about 700,000 square miles.

Many landowners have begun to ask how their forest management strategy affects the carbon within their forest and thus the forest’s ability to mitigate climate change. Every strategy has its tradeoffs; therefore, to meet all of society’s needs, we will ultimately need a mix of passive and active strategies across the region.

The tool provides a rapid and simple process to assess forest resiliency. This publication contains background information on important characteristics of resilient and healthy forests and examples of potential adaptation strategies. It is accompanied by a scorecard to be used in the field to evaluate the resiliency of a forest.

Climate change is altering fundamental weather patterns— affecting temperatures, water availability, and weather extremes—that shape the lives of New Mexicans. As a result, the infrastructure and resource-management plans designed for the conditions of the past may not meet future needs of the farmers, ranchers, outdoor enthusiasts, and other residents of New Mexico.

In this report, we describe several climate-driven problems that are projected to affect, or are already affecting, particular wildlife species and ecosystems, and solutions that conservation groups are implementing to help plants and animals respond and adapt. These projects are tangible examples of climate-informed conservation, and can serve as inspiration for others grappling with similar issues.

Over the last 100 years, average global temperatures have increased by approximately 1.2° C (2.2° F) due to increasing atmospheric concentrations of heat-trapping greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2). As the seasons progress, forests have less summer water source making them more prone to drought and ultimately, more vulnerable to wildfires. Tribes can adapt to increased wildfire risk and reduce wildfire occurrence.