Climate change and North American rangelands: Assessment of mitigation and adaptation strategies

摘要: Recent climatic trends and climate model projections indicate that change will modify rangeland ecosystem functions the services livelihoods they provision. history has demonstrated variability a strong influence on both ecological social components of systems these possess substantial capacity to adapt variability. Specific objectives this synthesis are to: 1) evaluate options mitigate greenhouse gas emissions future change; 2) survey actions individuals, enterprises, organizations can use 3) assess for system transformation when adaptation is no longer sufficient contend with change. Mitigation carbon sequestration does not appear economically viable, given small highly variable dioxide fluxes ecosystems high transaction costs would be incurred. In contrast, strategies numerous provide means manage risks associated Adaptation diverse, including altered risk perception by greater flexibility production modifications emphasize variability, rather than consistency. Many adaptations represent “no regrets” because their implementation justified without emphasis pending Adaptations specific livestock include flexible herd management, alternative breeds or species, innovative pest modified enterprise structures, geographic relocation. Social-ecological in which insufficient counter adverse consequences might undergo transformative produce services, livelihoods. The profession pivotal position leadership global challenge it represents intersection management scientific knowledge, includes diverse stakeholders who derive from rangelands, interacts responsible stewardship.