It is not yet clear how forests will change in the future, but some changes in forest composition, area, and density are likely. Coasts Both the physical landscape and the ecosystems of the coasts will be affected by climate change and rising sea level. Changes in wave direction may increase coastal erosion, as often happens during El Ni o events. Climate scientists agree that further climate change may be inevitable and will therefore require adaptation, although most scientists also think that the pace of climate change can be slowed by substantially reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Another way to buy insurance now is to incorporate climate change into all long-term decisions about natural resources, thereby providing greater resilience.
Climate change is sure to occur in some form.
Though the details are not yet clear, we know enough already to begin planning. With few exceptions, natural resources are managed as if climate were constant. The single most important thing that the region can do to prepare for a changing climate is to develop a dialogue between scientists and decision-makers. An increased awareness of how climate affects the region will increase resilience to climate variations and change. In addition, we can reduce local pressures on our resources and ecosystems.