The Nature Conservancy has released a study that identifies regions in Virginia that would be resilient to drought, rising temperatures and other threats associated with climate change.

The study released Monday calls these areas "strongholds." They include the upper James River watershed and Clinch Mountain in southwest Virginia, which have landscapes that could provide habitat to a variety of plants and animals under extreme climate change predicted by many scientists.

They also would be sources of clean drinking water and other resources critical for human survival.

Other areas identified as climate change-resilient in Virginia include Rappahannock forestland, the Blackwater River area of Dendron Swamp, and the Appalachian mountain chain through Virginia and West Virginia, and beyond.

The Nature Conservancy says those "strongholds" should be protected.