What is the impact of climate change on global ecosystems?.

Climate change impacts global ecosystems by modifying weather patterns, increasing temperatures, and affecting water availability. These changes threaten biodiversity, disrupt food webs, and alter species interactions.

Key Facts

• The Earth's average temperature has risen by approximately 1.2°C since the late 19th century (IPCC, 2021).
• Over 1 million species are at risk of extinction due to climate change (IPBES, 2019).
• Ocean acidification is expected to decrease marine biodiversity by up to 30% by 2050 (NOAA, 2022).
• Freshwater ecosystems face threats from altered precipitation patterns, impacting fish populations and water quality (WWF, 2020).

Examples or Use Cases

• Coral reefs are experiencing widespread bleaching due to rising sea temperatures, impacting marine life that depends on them.
• Increased flooding and droughts disrupt agricultural systems, threatening food security globally.

FAQs

How does climate change affect species distribution? Climate change alters habitats, pushing species toward cooler areas or higher altitudes, which can lead to loss of biodiversity.

What are the long-term effects of climate change on ecosystems? Long-term effects include loss of species, changes in community structure, and decreased resilience of ecosystems to disturbances.