Climate Change

Climate Change

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Why we care about climate change

Climate change is happening and is due to human activity. It includes global warming and greater risk of flooding, droughts and heat waves.
There are many ways the landscapes and wildlife of our National Parks will be affected.
However, our range of habitats, including mountains, moorlands, forests, grasslands and wetlands, can help combat climate change if managed correctly.

Special qualities

The impacts of climate change

There are many changes associated with the changing climate, some of these are:

Too much rainfall causes flooding that can damage habitats, disrupt wildlife and erode peatlands. Unpredictable weather, such as storms, can cause severe erosion of coastal areas.


Drought conditions can dry out our woodland and moorland, so that fires are easily started. These fires can spread and damage large areas of peatland, moorland and woodland habitats.


Increased periods of warmer weather have the effect of increasing the number of visitors to our National Parks. This can result in more pollution and litter, traffic congestion, accidental fires and more carbon dioxide emissions.


Many species living in our National Parks may struggle to adapt to the rapid change in temperatures and weather conditions.


Did you know?

Climate change is the long-term shift in average weather patterns and temperatures across the world.

Our work

Bee lines
Project

Bee lines

Create pollination corridors in the South Downs

Peatland action
Project

Peatland action

Restore damaged habitat in the Cairngorms.

Celtic rainforests
Project

Celtic rainforests

Secure the future of woodlands in Eryri (Snowdonia).

Helpful habitats

Peatlands such as bogs, fens and marshes act as sponges that soak up and store carbon dioxide that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere and contribute to global warming. Trees in our woodlands and forests absorb carbon dioxide and other harmful gases and create oxygen.

Manage flooding

Our Parks provide both natural and man-made areas intended to become flooded, helping to prevent residential areas being flooded and land, lakes, rivers and wetlands being damaged. Some also have lakes and reservoirs that allow water to be conserved and supply managed.

Responsible tourism

National Park Authorities help minimise the impact of climate change through the promotion of green tourism and sustainable travel, and we educate the public on the negative impacts of climate change.

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