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Climate Change and Ecosystems |
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How will Climate Change impact global ecosystems?
Climate change may cause large losses to natural habitats and wildlife around the world. As temperatures increase,
local climate systems are being altered in ways
that directly affect fish and wildlife, as well as
forests, lakes, prairies, rivers, wetlands and other habitats
upon which they depend. Working Group II of the IPCC [Internation Panel on Climage Change] focused on the impacts of climate change on natural and human systems. Their report in 2007 states that recent warming is strongly affecting earth's biological systems, including such changes as:
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Earlier occurence of spring events, such as leaf-unfolding, bird migration and egg-laying. |
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Plant and animal species migrating toward the North and South Poles as these regions become warmer. |
Climate Change Impact on Coral Reefs
One of the most dramatic effects of observed and projected climate change is coral bleaching; the consequences of coral bleaching has already caused long-term damage to many reefs worldwide.
"Bleaching" refers to the phenomenon of coral dying when it is exposed to warmer than normal water temperatures for a sustained period of time. The environmental implications are dire and the economic consequences severe: it has been estimated that as much as US$90 billion could be lost in tourism alone should 58% of the world’s coral reefs be lost. (Source: IPCC, 2007).
Scientists project that a majority
of the nation’s and world’s
coral reefs could be lost if
average temperatures
increase more than approximately
3.5 degrees Fahrenheit, which is in the lower range of
what is expected to occur in the
coming decades as global warming
emissions continue to rise. (Source: National Wildlife Federation).
Changes/Loss of Habitat
A recent study by The National Wildlife Federation shows North American wildlife species are beginning to shift their ranges
northward and upward in elevation in response to this slight but
consistent rise in temperature. Even when species survive on our planet they may be forced to migrate toward the poles.
Higher stream temperatures have negative implications for trout and salmon populations and some regions of the U.S. will
lose 50 to 100 percent of Brook and Rainbow
Trout habitats in the coming decades.
Higher winter temperatures could affect the migration of ducks southward for the winter. Birds and butterflies will alter their migratory behavior and populations may disappear in traditional ranges.
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Working Group II Report on Impacts, Capacity and Vulnerability |
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| Read the latest report on the impacts of climate change on natural and human systems, including their vulnerability and capacity of these systems to adapt. IPCC Working Group II >> |
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Implications for Forests |
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| Climate change is likely to alter the geographic distribution of North American forests, including regionally important tree species, such as New England sugar maples and boreal forests in Alaska. Forests and climate change. >> |
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