Drilling, mining and logging near park borders, air and water pollution that drifts or flows into our parks, and even the waste that some visitors leave behind are all threats our national parks face.

In 2026, national parks worldwide face a "triple threat" of overtourism, climate change, and chronic underfunding. The surge in "staycation" travel has led to record-breaking foot traffic, which causes severe soil erosion, habitat fragmentation, and "congested" wilderness experiences that diminish the very tranquility visitors seek. Environmentally, parks are struggling with invasive species and extreme weather; for instance, wetter winters and hotter summers in places like the UK’s New Forest are threatening ground-nesting birds and increasing wildfire risks. In the United States, political shifts have led to budget concerns that threaten maintenance and the integrity of historical narratives. Many parks are now forced to implement controversial reservation systems to manage crowds, which, while necessary for conservation, can make the parks feel less accessible to the general public. Additionally, the high cost of housing near these protected areas often makes it impossible for park rangers and local staff to live in the communities they serve.