Climate Change Impacts

Study Notes

Rising Global Temperatures: Average global temperature has risen by about 1°C since 1880, with more rapid warming in recent decades.
Sea-Level Rise: Thawing of glaciers and ice sheets, and thermal expansion of oceans, leading to a projected 26 cm to 82 cm rise by 2100.
Extreme Weather Events: Increased frequency and severity of heatwaves, droughts, floods, and storms.
Changes in Precipitation Patterns: Altered patterns of rainfall and snowfall, leading to droughts in some areas and floods in others.

Loss of Biodiversity: Changes in species distribution, extinction risk, and disruption of ecosystems.
Ocean Acidification: Decrease in ocean pH, affecting marine life, especially coral reefs and shellfish.
Disruption of Food Systems: Impacts on agricultural productivity, fisheries, and other food sources.
Increased Wildfires: Changes in fire regimes, leading to more frequent and severe wildfires.

Human Migration and Displacement: Rising sea levels, more frequent natural disasters, and decreased food security, leading to increased migration and displacement.
Health Impacts: Increased risk of heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems, and the spread of disease vectors.
Economic Impacts: Losses in productivity, damage to infrastructure, and increased costs for healthcare and emergency response.
Social Impacts: Increased social unrest, conflict, and cultural heritage loss.

Arctic: Rapid warming, melting of sea ice, and altered ecosystems.
Tropical Regions: Increased risk of heatwaves, droughts, and floods.
Coastal Regions: Sea-level rise, increased flooding, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources.
Mountain Regions: Changes in snowpack, glacier melting, and altered ecosystems.