Union of Concerned Scientists

Introduction
Scenic marshes, forested swampland, mossy live oaks, cool piney woodlands, unique wildlife and birdlife—Louisiana is endowed with an incredible abundance of natural riches. These natural resources also form the basis for much of the state's economy. The fresh and saltwater marshes, estuaries, bays and lagoons of the Mississippi River delta support the coastal seafood industry and provide some of the best sport fishing in the world. A mild climate and rich soils facilitate the growth of soybeans, rice, sugar cane, and other crops; indeed, agricultural products account for nearly a third of the gross state product. Lumbering and pulp and paper mills are mainstays of many local economies.

Louisiana's diverse state parks, beautiful historic sites and preservation areas provide unique opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature tourism. The impacts of a changing climate could have significant effects on Louisiana's natural systems and the goods and services they provide. Click on the links below to find out about future climate projections for Louisiana and how these changes may impact Louisiana's wetlands, fisheries, coastal development and infrastructure, freshwater resources, agriculture and forestry, and human health.

After you've learned about the threats a changing climate poses to Louisiana, why don't you take a couple of minutes to tell policymakers to get busy tackling the problem? It's easy to do on our action pages.