Rising to the Urgent Challenge - Strategic plan for responding to accelerating Climate Change

Abstract

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Rising to the Urgent Challenge Strategic Plan for Responding to Accelerating Climate ChangeOn the cover: Polar bears. Courtesy of National Geographic Society. We must act now, as if the future of fish and wildlife and people hangs in the balance — for indeed, all indications are that it does. Dedication In memory of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Sam D. Hamilton (1955 – 2010), whose commitment to rising to the challenge of a changing climate inspired this plan. 1 Table of Contents Executive Overview / 2 Our Vision / 5 Introduction / 6 The Crisis / 7 The Challenge / 8 Our Committed Response / 11 Leadership and Management / 11 Seven Bold Commitments / 13 Three Progressive Strategies: Adaptation, Mitigation, Engagement / 14 Strategic Goals & Objectives / 19 Adaptation / 19 Goal 1: We will work with partners to develop and implement a National Fish and Wildlife Climate Adaptation Strategy / 19 Goal 2: We will develop long-term capacity