Climate Change

Pennsylvania is experiencing higher temperatures, increased precipitation, higher numbers of large storm events, decreased snow cover, and changing distributions of some plants and animals, all in response to climate change.

As the caretaker of 2.2 million acres of state forest, 121 state parks, and the state’s primary conservation agency, DCNR has a unique role and responsibility in helping the commonwealth reduce and adapt to climate change and is developing a plan to reduce the impacts on our state forests and parks.

While climate change presents significant challenges, there is much we can do, from managing our forests to sequester an increasing amount of carbon and ensuring that our public lands remain resilient, to helping private landowners and communities reduce their carbon footprint and adapt to climate change.


DCNR and Climate Change – Planning for the Future

An overview of how climate change is currently impacting Pennsylvania, what to expect in the future, and DCNR’s approach to reducing our carbon footprint, increasing carbon sequestration, and conservation and land management.


2015 Pennsylvania Climate Impacts Assessment Update

Every three years the Pennsylvania Climate Change Act (Act 70 of 2008) requires DEP to update a report on the anticipated impacts of climate change in Pennsylvania.


Pennsylvania's Climate Change Advisory Committee

Climate Change Advisory Committee

The committee, which is authorized by the Climate Change Act of 2008, advises the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection on climate change related activities.