The ramifications of record-shattering heat on the West’s ecosystems
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- Daniel Swain noted that the March heat wave shattered temperature records across the West, from Tucson, Arizona, to Casper, Wyoming.
- Zachary Labe reported that the record highs persisted for nearly two weeks, extending the heat’s impact beyond the typical March timeframe.
- Julia Baum found that the 2021 heat wave killed or harmed over 75% of surveyed species, especially marine organisms like acorn barnacles and kelp.
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources runs the Weather West blog where the unprecedented March heat was documented.
Why it matters: Fisheries lose 75% of vulnerable marine species, causing reduced catches and higher seafood prices, while forest managers face increased restoration costs as trees and wildflowers die.
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