Lesson 16.3- Effects of Climate Change In 2003, a severe heat wave in Europe killed 35,000 people. 1

Effects on Organisms Habitats shift, usually toward the poles or to higher altitudes. Migrations start earlier in the spring. Loss of ice makes hunting seals difficult for polar bears. Migrating sandhill cranes Did You Know? Robins arrive on a Colorado mountaintop about 2 weeks earlier than they did in 1970. 2

Effects of a Changing Ocean Oceans are becoming warmer and they are absorbing more CO2. An increase in ocean temperature is associated with a process called coral bleaching, in which algae living within corals die or leave the coral. Without the algae, coral cannot survive. Changes in ocean acidity, resulting from an increase in dissolved carbon dioxide, harm organisms. Both coral and shell-building animals like clams cannot build their hard, protective coverings. 4

Effects of a Changing Ocean 5

Current Effects of Global Climate Change for Humans Agriculture and forestry: Effects are complex. Can be positive: Lengthened growing season for some crops that like the heat Can be negative: Droughts and forest fires Economy: Decreased yields; increased property damage due to severe storms and climate conditions Human health: Extreme heat waves increasingly common, can cause heat stroke and death 7

Future Effects of Climate Change Diseases: Warmer temperatures can promote spread of diseases transmitted from animals to people. Sea level: Low-lying populated coastal areas may flood as sea levels rise. (New Orleans and Manhattan) Water supply: Saltwater contamination resulting from rising sea levels and a decrease in glacial ice may threaten freshwater supplies. Black-legged ticks, known to spread Lyme disease