Climate Change Impact on High-Altitude Ecosystems and Their Impact on Human Communities

Abstract

High-altitude ecosystems and human communities are linked. Each impacts each other. This chapter focuses on a case study of the San Bernardino Mountain range, elevation 3502 m (11,487 ft.) and is situated in Southern California in proximity of millions of inhabitants who live in the mountain range and at its base, all impacted by its ecosystem and the growing influence of climate change. Chapter sections include: 1. Origins of the San Bernardino Mountain range ecosystem 2. High-altitude ecosystem DNA: What is this mountain ecosystem made of? And what is its quantitative and qualitative natural capital value? 3. Historical relationships between human communities and this high-altitude ecosystem 4. Modern relationships: Lake Arrowhead community, San Bernardino and neighboring communities, and the new community, Arrowhead Springs 5. The “elephant in the room”: climate change and its impact on high-altitude ecosystems and the resulting impact on human communities 6. Conclusion: What new paths can we take? What are our options in the coming decades? 7. The San Bernardino Mountains, along with the nearby San Gabriel and San Jacinto ranges, is considered a sky island—a high mountain region whose plants and animals vary dramatically from those in the surrounding semiarid lands. The San Bernardinos in particular comprise the largest forested region in Southern California, and support some 1600 species of plants. Approximately, 440 species of wildlife inhabit the mountains, including many endangered species.