(jane joyce) after centuries of wetland destruction, efforts are underway to preserve and restore theseal ecosystems. (dr. carter johnson) definitely, attitudes about wetlands are changing. a lot of studies have been done that have shown very clearly that the 1993-1995 floods on the mississippi and missouri rivers would have been greatly lessened had fewer wetlands been drained. and i think retaining those basins in their natural form is definitely a value that we should recognize. (jane joyce) once considered wastelands to remove, people are beginning to realize the value of wetlands

for "our changing planet," i'm jane joyce.learn more about our changing planet, visit us on the web at. . . >> from weekend getaways to extended road trips, california is full of places to explore. and for over 100 years, the auto club has been there to help. our travel agents offer you expertise regarding destination information, trip planning, and reservations either in office, on the phone or online, across the state, throughout the country or around the world. through all life's travels, we are always with you. >> road trip has been made possible by the automobile club of southern california. >> well, hello, everybody. i'm huell howser. here it is, early morning. in fact, it's so early i hadn't even had my morning coffee. we're in kern county near bakersfield, right on the outskirts of the nice little community

(jane joyce) changes in the water cycle are not the only result of a warming climate. (dr. well. many of the broad fields of alpine wildflowers are gradually being encroached upon by these trees. as you have these wetter and warmer temperatures you grow more forests, so our potential for forest fires increases. (jane joyce) from warming temperatures, to changes in the water cycle and plant growth, climate change affects the dynamics of the entire mountain ecosystem.