1. Climate Change from an Ecological Perspective Steven T. Rier Dept. of Biology and Allied health Photo by Chris Vogel

2. An ecological perspective? organisms (animals, plants, and microbes) interact in and with the natural world Sunlight Photosynthesis Cycling of Carbon, Nitrogen, & Phosphorus Ecosystem example

3. Humans are a part of ecosystems

4. Functional Ecosystems Balanced, adaptive, and diverse assemblage of organisms Often provide functions essential for humans – Detoxify pollutants in water – Lessen the effects of flooding – Pollination of crops

5. Effects of climate change on ecosystems are complex

6. Human Population Industry and transportation Agriculture CO 2 Increase Other human-caused disturbances Altered nutrient cycles Pollution Spread of exotic species Global climate change Land use/ cover changes Loss of ecosystem integrity

7. CO 2 Increase Global climate change Loss of ecosystem integrity

9. Direct effects of elevated CO 2 on Plants Increased production of C-based compounds More carbohydrates More fiber More tannin Less protein

10. Effects of elevated CO 2 on ecosystems

11. CO 2 Increase Global climate change Loss of ecosystem integrity

12. Global climate change Loss of ecosystem integrity WarmingExtreme weather eventsDrought

13. Human Population Industry and transportation Agriculture CO 2 Increase Other human-caused disturbances Altered nutrient cycles Pollution Spread of exotic species Global climate change Land use/ cover changes Loss of ecosystem integrity