Wetlands are unique ecosystems that experience a variety of hydrologic conditions and serve as ecotones between terrestrial and aquatic systems. Wetland environments are present in almost all parts of the world except Antarctica and vary by location and persistence. Wetlands have multiple functions: they filter water, recharge ground water, cycle and sink nutrients and protect coastlines. These ecosystems also serve as sinks for carbon and methane. Other functions that wetlands serve include: habitat for a variety of organisms, layover locations for migratory birds, as well as providing aesthetic and recreational value for humans.
Climate change will affect the functions of wetlands as these ecosystems transition in the coming years. Dramatic changes in precipitation, floods and drought, can destabilize water regimes. Disruptions in plant and animal distribution can impact species diversity and community structure. Examples of climate change effects include: coastal wetlands experiencing greater inundation by water, or lost as sea levels rise; brackish wetlands may become converted into saltwater wetlands; inland wetlands may be lost due to evaporation from higher temperatures, melting of permafrost and more active decomposition; the creation of new wetlands in areas experiencing greater precipitation may also occur as local climates change. Healthy functioning wetland ecosystems will be better able to withstand and recover from climate disruptions than those stressed by anthropogenic disturbances.
Results/Conclusions
Risks to wetlands, expected from climate change, are a relatively new threat for Ramsar wetlands of international importance, and have not been included in the on-line database (http://ramsar.wetlands.org/). We report on our progress in identifying climate change risks for a pilot set of the 25 Ramsar sites located in the United States, and incorporating the data into a searchable database. We believe that the Ramsar wetland sites of international importance should be considered as priority locations for research on climate change and wetland ecosystems. There are currently 159 Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention with 1,873 sites, totaling 184,030,126 hectares (454,673 acres.) Our findings can be added to the on-line databases allowing researchers or land managers to identify wetlands with similar risks. Adding the risk field to the Ramsar database will enhance collaboration among researchers, land managers and political jurisdictions. Ramsar wetlands facing similar risks will be identified and able to partner other with Ramsar sites to answer questions, share research, experience, and knowledge. Hopefully, these opportunities will provide better outcomes for the global treasures known as Ramsar sites.
