The Climate is Changing

• Temperatures are rising

• Sea levels are rising
• The ocean is acidifying
• Climate change is reflected
Temperature rise, indicated by color
in water cycle changes and (red=higher rate of increase). Earth’s surface
temperature has risen ~1.3˚ F since 1850.
in extreme weather
 Ecological Impacts
Living things are intimately connected to their
physical surroundings.
Ecosystems are affected by changes in:
– temperature – salinity (saltiness)
– rainfall/moisture – activities & distribution of other species
– pH – …many other factors
 Ecological Impacts
As a result of climate change, species and
ecosystems are experiencing changes in:
– ranges – cycling of water and nutrients
– timing of biological activity – the risk of disturbance from
– growth rates fire, insects, and invasive
– relative abundance of species species
Global Changes, Local Impacts
Although climate change is global, the
ecological impacts are often local.

What’s happening in your backyard?

 The Role of Human Beings
Causes of Climate Change
• It is very likely that most of the
climate change in the current era is
the result of human activities.
– Human activities have increased
concentrations of greenhouse gases
in the atmosphere.
– These gases trap heat and cause
the Earth to warm.

Figure adapted from Climate Change 2007: The Physical

Science Basis. Working Group 1 Contribution to the 4th
Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change. Figure SPM.5. Cambridge University Press.
 The Role of Human Beings
Compounding Factors
• Human activities have many other effects on ecosystems.
• These effects compound the effects of climate change, making it
more difficult for ecosystems to adapt.

– Pollution – Overfishing
– Habitat fragmentation – Manipulation of water sources
– Invasive species – …and much more
 The climate challenge is large and complex.
But it is very likely that many people, working from many
angles, can help address climate change and its
ecological consequences.