![View from the Maryland Heights Overlook. You can see the Potomac River, the town of Harpers Ferry.](/common/uploads/grid_builder/urbanecology/crop16_9/FFBB06C9-A825-6835-ED0310AB37899364.jpg?width=640&quality=90&mode=crop)
Sea level rise is occurring on a global scale as the result of many climate change-induced factors, impacting 111 parks already.
![High Water Pole near Overlook 3 in 1996.](/common/uploads/grid_builder/urbanecology/crop16_9/001CD6A8-E89D-4A57-4C07C7752485D876.jpg?width=640&quality=90&mode=crop)
Climate change has had a profound effect on the weather. Flooding and other extreme weather harms park resources.
![A pink lotus flower in bloom](/common/uploads/grid_builder/urbanecology/crop16_9/004752BC-B740-AD09-79D7274DEAD7DC74.jpg?width=640&quality=90&mode=crop)
The changing climate increases stressors that weaken plant resilience, disrupting forest structure and ecosystem services.
![A monarch butterfly sits on top of a cluster of yellow flowers feeding.](/common/uploads/grid_builder/urbanecology/crop16_9/0062254D-BFA7-E058-D0353652F241B66A.jpg?width=640&quality=90&mode=crop)
Pollinators play a vital role in plant reproduction, making them fundamental to supporting healthy ecosystems.
![Wood thrush on tree branch](/common/uploads/grid_builder/urbanecology/crop16_9/00A6AE77-BBCA-51C4-5A5BA5FA33C7FD93.jpg?width=640&quality=90&mode=crop)
Rising temperatures lower many wildlife species' survival rates due to changes in food, reproduction, and migration.
![Bicyclist crossing a wooden bridge over a river channel](/common/uploads/grid_builder/urbanecology/crop16_9/847620F0-DCFE-797D-FDB7B17F3E73DA00.jpg?width=640&quality=90&mode=crop)
The many activities visitors currently enjoy are facing new challenges from rising temperatures and the resulting impacts.
![An aerial view of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial with several visitors walking up the steps](/common/uploads/grid_builder/urbanecology/crop16_9/01217547-99B1-25C3-00C03C65924AE154.jpg?width=640&quality=90&mode=crop)
Cultural resources play an important role in the protection and interpretation of the nation's heritage, including in the National Capital.
![National Park Service. Urban Ecology Research Learning Alliance. Your Parks Have Climate Stories.](/rlc/urbanecology/images/Header_UERLA.png)
NPS Photo / Graphic by 4C
Last updated: December 22, 2021