Chapter 4 Habitats
4.3.5.4 Climate Change Compared to Other Threats Comparing climate change to other ecosystem threats can help define short- and long-term conservation actions and recommendations. While climate change is not the most severe threat, a combination of synergistic effects with other existing conditions could stress these systems to the point where several species are unable to persist. Other than rising sea level, the effects of climate change are particularly uncertain in these systems. Changes in flood regimes and rising sea level are the most important climate effects. Climate change effects upstream of the tidal zone are likely to be limited, and other existing threats are likely to be more significant. Table 4.3.5-1 summarizes the comparison of climate change with other existing threats. Table 4.3.5-1 Climate change compared to other threats to brownwater floodplains. Threat Rank Order Comments Logging/ Exploitation 1 This is the most destructive recent force and may get worse if drought allows more access to currently wetter areas.
1 Floodplains are highly susceptible to fragmentation by sewerlines, gaslines, powerlines, and highways that are constructed within them. Nonnative, exotic, and invasive species can gain a foothold in openings within these corridors. 2 Temperature and rainfall averages are expected to increase. More importantly, there will be changes in frequency and magnitude of extreme rainfall events, which will affect flood regimes. An increase in droughts is also expected. 2 Temperature increases create potential for invasion by exotic species that are already problematic farther south, such as the Chinese Tallow Tree. Invasive exotic species already spreading in these systems, such as Tree-of-heaven, Asian Dayflower, and Japanese Stiltgrass, will continue to spread regardless of the climate, but any increased disturbance by flooding or windstorms may accelerate it. 2 Alteration of hydrology due to dam creation and the draining of wetlands are two of the primary problems affecting this habitat type. Upstream dams are significant on some rivers but not others. Increased drought may lead to demand for more reservoirs upstream and to more water withdrawal and interbasin transfer in all large river systems. 3 Very significant in the past but most feasible conversion is already done.
Utility Corridors/ Fragmentation
Climate Change
Invasive Species
Flood Regime Alteration
Conversion to agriculture/ silviculture
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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