America’s forests and grasslands are inextricably tied to current and future impacts of climate change. Healthy forest and grassland ecosystems are vital to the wellbeing and livelihoods of all Americans. These ecosystems provide drinking water for millions of people, influence the global carbon balance, supply food, support rural and urban jobs, provide places to recreate, and are home to diverse fish and wildlife populations. Climate change is already having substantial impacts on these systems, which are increasingly stressed by severe wildfires, invasive species, diseases, drought, and seasonal shifts.

Forest Service research provides the scientific foundations needed to manage forests and grasslands across the country. Climate change is a defining challenge of this century, and Forest Service scientists are at the forefront, providing data and adaptive management and mitigation strategies that make forests and grasslands more resilient, communities more prepared, and green markets and initiatives more viable.

Climate Change Resources

• Climate Change Resource Center 
  • The Climate Change Resource Center (CCRC) is a web-based, national platform that connects land managers and decision makers with useable science to address climate change in natural resources planning and management. Current and expected climate changes have serious implications for ecosystems and the benefits they provide.
• Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS)
  • The Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS) develops synthesis products, fosters communication, and pursues science in climate change and carbon cycling and management. NIACS is a collaborative effort among the Forest Service, universities, conservation organizations, and forest industry to provide information on managing forests for climate change adaptation and enhanced carbon sequestration.
• USDA Climate Hubs
  • The Climate Hubs are a source for practical, proactive thinking about climate change. Forest Service R&D scientists serve as leads, partners, and collaborators within these Hubs to assess regional forests and rangelands across all ownership types. RPA identifies drivers of change and projects the conditions of these renewable resources 50 years into the future, in part based on FIA data.
• U.S. Department of Agriculture - Energy and Environmental Policy - Climate Change
  • USDA promotes climate-resilient landscapes and rural economic systems. USDA contributes to climate assessments, analysis of adaptation and mitigation options, cost-benefit analyses, and tools to support agriculture, forests, grazing lands, and rural communities.
• Climate Tools and Data - Gallery
  • A gallery of maps, tools, and resources supporting sustainability and climate.