OMAHA- Hotter weather from climate change increases water evaporation, which turns streams into shallow ponds, causing fish and other aquatic animals to overheat or not be able to breathe. UNL professor of fish physiology recognized that issue while in undergraduate studies in California. Now, in Nebraska, she is noticing the same issue begin.

Shifts in climate are easy to recognize in places like California, which has been suffering from drought for years now. The droughts have been accompanied by wildfires and mudslides. The impacts of climate change in Nebraska are not as easy to see. As these ecosystems begin to deteriorate so will economic opportunities for the state such as fewer hunting, fishing and tourism experiences. One of the most popular tourism spots within the state is the migration of the sandhill cranes, which will start to drastically change or stop soon.

According to UNL's climate study, 2012 was the hottest and driest year Nebraska had experienced since 1895. Now, these temperatures will become the normal by 2041 at the earliest. In 2012 alone 6,000 deer died from diseases that only happen during droughts. This forced the deer harvest to drop by 25%-30%. In 2016 wildlife viewing brought in $722 million to Nebraska while hunting and fishing brought in over $1 billion.

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