Introduction to Climate Change Overview

Introduction to Climate Change

• Climate change is defined as significant changes in global temperatures and weather patterns over time
• Understanding the impact of climate change on ecosystems is critical for biodiversity and human survival
• The presentation will explore the various impacts of climate change on ecosystems

Causes of Climate Change

• Climate change is largely driven by human activities since the 1800s
• Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas) releases greenhouse gases
• Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to rising temperatures
• Key greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide and methane
• Activities like deforestation, agriculture, and oil/gas operations also release greenhouse gases
• Natural factors like solar activity and volcanic eruptions can also affect climate

Milankovitch Cycles

• Earth's orbit, tilt, and wobble affect how much solar energy the planet receives
• These changes, known as Milankovitch cycles, naturally cause variations in climate over long periods
• Variations in Earth's orbit can cause glacial periods and warming periods

Global Warming

• Global warming is the unusually rapid increase in the Earth's average surface temperature in recent centuries
• Primarily due to increased greenhouse gases released by burning fossil fuels
• Greenhouse gases (GHGs) absorb heat from the sun and re-radiate it, warming the Earth's surface and lower atmosphere. This is known as the greenhouse effect

Effects on Biodiversity

• Climate change threatens biodiversity by forcing species to adapt, migrate or face extinction
• Loss of biodiversity disrupts necessary ecosystem services, including food production and clean water

Effects on Oceans

• Rising CO2 levels lead to ocean acidification
• This acidification negatively impacts marine life, particularly coral reefs and shellfish
• Coral reefs, vital for marine ecosystems and coastal protection, are negatively impacted

Impact on Forest Ecosystems

• Forests are crucial for carbon storage and biodiversity.
• Climate change increases the frequency of wildfires and pest outbreaks, harming these ecosystems
• Loss of forests releases stored carbon into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change effects

Altered Weather Patterns

• Climate change leads to more extreme weather events like hurricanes, droughts, and floods.
• These extreme events cause habitat destruction and negatively impact species survival
• Understanding these changes is essential for conservation efforts

Impacts on Freshwater Systems

• Climate change alters precipitation patterns and increases temperatures, impacting freshwater ecosystems.
• These changes lead to water scarcity and affect species that depend on these habitats

Human Implications

• Climate change impacts ecosystems directly affecting human populations
• Loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services lead to food insecurity, health risks, and displacement of communities
• Urgently addressing climate change is crucial

Conclusion

• Understanding the effects of climate change on global ecosystems is vital for mitigation and adaptation strategies for both biodiversity and health
• By actively protecting ecosystems, we can work towards a more sustainable future

This quiz provides an overview of climate change, including its definitions, causes, and effects on ecosystems. It also covers the natural phenomena that influence climate, such as Milankovitch cycles. Test your knowledge on the critical impacts of climate change on biodiversity and human survival.