President Barack Obama is turning to Everglades National Park to serve as a backdrop for an Earth Day discussion of climate change and the impacts it would bring to the United States.

"Wednesday is Earth Day, a day to appreciate and protect this precious planet we call home. And today, there’s no greater threat to our planet than climate change," the president said during his weekly radio address this past weekend. "2014 was the planet’s warmest year on record. Fourteen of the 15 hottest years on record have all fallen in the first 15 years of this century. This winter was cold in parts of our country – as some folks in Congress like to point out – but around the world, it was the warmest ever recorded.

"And on Earth Day, I’m going to visit the Florida Everglades to talk about the way that climate change threatens our economy. The Everglades is one of the most special places in our country. But it’s also one of the most fragile. Rising sea levels are putting a national treasure – and an economic engine for the South Florida tourism industry – at risk," he added. "So climate change can no longer be denied – or ignored. The world is looking to the United States – to us – to lead. And that’s what we’re doing. We’re using more clean energy than ever before. America is number one in wind power, and every three weeks, we bring online as much solar power as we did in all of 2008. We’re taking steps to waste less energy, with more fuel-efficient cars that save us money at the pump, and more energy-efficient buildings that save us money on our electricity bills."

In light of the president's visit, some areas of the park will be closed temporariy. Beginning midnight on Tuesday through 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the park headquarters building, the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, and Royal Palm (Anhinga Trail) will be closed. On Wednesday the Main Park Road will be closed from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., between the main entrance located near Homestead to the turn off to the Long Pine Key Campground. Other park facilities will remain open but staff and visitors will not be able to access facilities or the road in the closed areas during this three-hour period.

Operations of the Flamingo District and other areas in the park south of Long Pine Key will not be affected, but those entering the area for the day should plan for this short term road closure. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy other areas of the park located off of U.S. Highway 41 at Shark Valley and the Gulf Coast District, which will not be affected.