Environmental impacts of climate change

Climate change is altering habitats and the distribution of species, leading to shifts in biodiversity. Some species are able to adapt or migrate, while others face increased risk of extinction.

The timing of natural events, such as flowering, breeding, and migration, is shifting, disrupting ecological balances and food webs.

Forests are experiencing more frequent and severe wildfires, pest outbreaks, and disease, which can transform forest landscapes and reduce their capacity to store carbon.

Changes in climate are affecting forest growth and regeneration, with some areas seeing increased growth due to longer growing seasons, while others suffer from drought stress.

Ocean acidification, resulting from the absorption of CO2, is harming marine organisms, especially those with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons, like corals and some plankton species.

Rising sea temperatures are leading to coral bleaching and the disruption of marine ecosystems.

Changes in sea temperature and acidity are affecting fish populations and distributions, with implications for fisheries and the communities that depend on them.

The availability and quality of freshwater are being impacted by changes in precipitation, melting glaciers, and changing runoff patterns, leading to water scarcity in some regions and increased flooding in others.

Aquatic ecosystems are being altered by temperature changes, affecting species survival and water quality.

The melting of ice sheets and glaciers contributes to sea-level rise and affects freshwater supplies for millions of people.

The loss of Arctic sea ice is disrupting local ecosystems, affecting indigenous peoples' livelihoods, and potentially altering global weather patterns.

Coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves, salt marshes, and estuaries, are being degraded by sea-level rise, increased storm intensity, and erosion, leading to loss of biodiversity and protective functions.

Low-lying islands and coastal communities are facing existential threats from inundation and storm surges.

Changes in climate are affecting soil moisture and fertility, with implications for agriculture, forest health, and the organisms that live in soil.

Desertification and land degradation are being exacerbated by changes in rainfall and evaporation rates, affecting livelihoods and leading to the loss of arable land.

The distribution and intensity of precipitation are changing, leading to altered weather patterns and extremes.

Higher temperatures and altered weather patterns are affecting air quality, with increased risks of pollution and health impacts.

The Arctic and Antarctic are experiencing some of the most rapid temperature rises, affecting ice cover, sea levels, and global climate patterns.

Permafrost thaw is releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and affecting infrastructure and ecosystems in the Arctic.

Mountain glaciers are retreating, affecting downstream water supplies and increasing the risk of glacial lake outburst floods.

Alpine ecosystems are particularly sensitive to temperature changes, with species facing uphill shifts or habitat loss.