National parks commit to net zero emissions: What it means for visitors

National parks have long led the way in conservation. Now they are going even further to help preserve the parks for future generations. "The world is in a climate crisis, and the NPS is at the forefront of looking at climate impacts," National Park Service Director Chuck Sams said in the recently released third edition of the federal agency's Green Parks Plan. “As such, NPS is renewing its operational sustainability goals with a bold vision to achieve net-zero status in its parks.” Last year, the Natural Resources Management and Science Directorate identified more than 70% nationally.

What is the Green Parks Plan?

The Green Parks Plan outlines general and specific goals to combat climate change throughout the national park system, which includes "the largest number of built assets of any civilian agency in the federal government," according to the National Park Service. Pride of parks as vulnerable to climate change. Here's what parks are doing to combat the impact. The plan includes targeted progress benchmarks and complements the Park Service's existing climate change response strategy.

How are visitors affected?

Mike Caldwell, the National Park Service's deputy director for parks planning, facilities and grounds, told USA TODAY that most of the work on the plan will be done behind the scenes, but visitors will be encouraged to do their part as well. “We're all in this together.” “The (Leave) No Trace stuff that we grew up on, I definitely grew up on, is very important to the stuff that we're doing now,” he said. "Whether it's recycling or what they carry, there are some basic things that everyone can do." He said visitors may see "more water stations or more opportunities to recycle" and increased reports of conscious use of resources. They may also see changes to what the parks sell as they aim to phase out all single-use plastic products by 2032.