How Humans are Impacting Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is one of the most iconic and beloved national parks in the United States. Its beauty is absolutely breathtaking, from waterfalls to meadows to cliffs. However, this beauty has been slowly diminishing. What’s the cause behind it? Human-caused climate change, specifically greenhouse gas emissions. Yosemite’s beauty attracts 3.5 million visitors annually, leading to more cars inside the park everyday. All of the cars release tons of greenhouse gases, seriously impacting the park in more ways than one. The cumulative effect of greenhouse gases being emitted around the world for decades is causing rising temperatures, speeding up and increasing tree deaths. And on top of that, they’re helping shrink the only two active glaciers left in the park. 

When it comes to climate change, there is no doubt that humans are the main cause behind it. Yosemite’s climates have been warming, affecting their ecosystems. According to the National Park Service, Yosemite’s average temperature has been rising since 1895. Why? Human activity! Human driven cars are creating pollution locally; the flood of cars and visitors have been affecting Yosemite’s biodiversity and the experience of visiting the park, accelerating natural processes like tree die-offs and shrinking glaciers. On top of that, areas of riverbanks near campsites have been eroded by foot traffic, destroying fragile natural habitats.

The steady decrease in the number of Yosemite’s trees also attests to the impacts of climate change. The National Park Service states that there have been an estimated 2.4 million dead trees recorded within 131,000 acres: an alarming number. Years of fire suppression has led to denser forests, pushing the tree population more than what the land can provide in terms of water and nutrients. Add on droughts and increasingly dry conditions, the trees are worn down and made vulnerable to pests like bark beetles, which are now one of the biggest threats to Yosemite’s famous giant sequoias. When these huge trees die, Yosemite loses some of its ability to store carbon. This may increase forest mortality and wildfire risk, creating a dangerous cycle with long-term impacts on the entire ecosystem.

Greenhouse gas emissions are shrinking the glaciers in Yosemite. The process of fuel combustion within the car engines releases carbon dioxide, trapping the heat and warming the glaciers inside the park. Park data shows that since 1883-2017, the surface area of Yosemite’s two active glaciers have decreased by a drastic 67-78%. Additionally, since 1933, both glaciers have lost 80-115 feet of depth. Even though snowfall isn’t declining, warmer winters and warmer summers have sped up this melting process. If this trend continues, Yosemite’s glaciers could disappear within decades — disrupting food webs, altering ecosystems, changing wildlife populations, and impacting water sources across the park.

Although Yosemite may look flawless, it is changing and fast. Climate change caused by human activity is threatening the park’s forests, glaciers, wildlife, and its integrity overall. From shrinking glaciers to forest mortality, it is quite clear that Yosemite needs help. As visitors, we are responsible for our impact and should do our part to protect it. Whether it’s driving less, biking or walking, participating in conservation efforts, or simply spreading the message, every action counts. The future and beauty of Yosemite relies on the choices we make.