Introduction
From Presque Isle State Park to Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania encompasses a wonderful variety of natural landscapes and important habitats. Pennsylvania’s fertile farmland makes it a top producer of dairy, oats, and fruit, while its waterways are important to anglers in the state. Areas such as Lake Erie National Wildlife Refuge and Presque Isle State Park provide crucial habitat for migratory birds and attract bird watchers from across the country.

A common thread through these activities is Pennsylvania’s ecological richness. This richness, however, is at risk from climate change. This change is largely driven by human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels to produce electricity and drive our cars, which in turn emits gases—principally carbon dioxide—that blanket the planet and trap heat. The resulting fundamental change in the Earth's atmosphere and climate is affecting people and the environment in the Great Lakes region.

In the Pennsylvania section of this web feature, we explore what a changing climate could mean for the state. Specifically, we examine how climate is projected to change in Pennsylvania; how these changes may impact human health, agriculture, water supplies, property and infrastructure, as well as tourism and recreation; and how Pennsylvania residents can help reduce these potential impacts by pursuing several solutions strategies.

After you’ve learned about the threats that a changing climate pose to Pennsylvania, please take a couple of minutes to tell policymakers to begin tackling the problem. This is easy to do on our action pages.

Impacts on Pennsylvania Communities and Ecosystems	Global Warming Solutions for the Great Lakes