Habitat loss due to climate change is a major ecological concern in the Sierra Nevada.

Climate change poses significant threats to the Sierra Nevada ecosystem.

Rising temperatures: Higher temperatures are leading to earlier snowmelt, shorter snow seasons, and increased drought risk. This affects water availability for plants and animals.
Changes in precipitation patterns: Shifts in precipitation patterns can alter the distribution and availability of water resources, impacting plant and animal communities.
Increased wildfire risk: Warmer temperatures and drier conditions increase the frequency and severity of wildfires, destroying habitats and impacting biodiversity.
These climate-related changes are leading to habitat loss, affecting sensitive species such as the Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep and the giant sequoia, and disrupting the delicate balance of the Sierra Nevada ecosystem.