Annual temperatures in the San Juan Basin have increased 2° F since 1980, triggering a hundred year drought, earlier snow melt, large fires, and extensive beetle outbreaks.  The next 30 years are projected to be 3-6° F warmer. 

What are the economic and ecological implications? Will the change bring dry winters with heavy monsoons, or bigger snow years with hot, dry summers?  Some data are emerging, but the answer is that the future landscapes will likely be different than today and potential solutions are complex. 

In a regional partnership that brings together the best in climate science, ecology, and planning, we are exploring strategies to adapt to our changing climate.  We will share our findings with you and explore a range of options as future climate scenarios present new chapters for our region.