OAR 635-900-0001: Purpose of the Climate and Ocean Change Policy

(1) The Earth’s climate and oceans are changing. The Fish and Wildlife Commission concurs with the Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that t he current warming trend is of particular significance because most of it is extremely likely (greater than 95 percent probability) to be the result of human activity since the mid-20th century and proceeding at a rate that is unprecedented over decades to millennia. (2) Oregon is already experiencing changes that are consistent with changes observed and projected globally, such as increased average air and water temperatures, disrupted precipitation patterns, and increased ocean acidification and hypoxia. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the Department prepares for and responds appropriately to the impacts of a changing climate and ocean on fish, wildlife, their habitats, and their use and enjoyment by current and future Oregonians.