How Climate Change Affects Our Planet
Climate change is having a big impact on the ecosystems around the world. Let’s look at some key effects:
Rising Temperatures: Since the late 1800s, Earth’s average temperature has gone up by about 1.1 degrees Celsius because of what humans are doing. This increase in temperature changes where animals and plants can live. For example, the American Robin is now moving about 200 kilometers further north.
Ocean Problems: As more carbon dioxide (CO2) goes into the air, it dissolves in the ocean, making the water more acidic. Since the Industrial Revolution, the surface water's acidity has increased by 0.1 pH units. This is bad news for many sea creatures, especially those that need calcium to build their shells, like corals. About 25% of marine animals depend on coral reefs, which are in danger.
Loss of Animal and Plant Species: A shocking number of species, up to 1 million, could go extinct because of climate change. For instance, warmer weather and loss of homes are causing amphibians, like frogs, to decrease by more than 40% in many places.
Changes in Nature’s Services: Climate change threatens important services that nature provides. For example, pollination helps grow 75% of our food crops, and wetlands filter our water. Without these services, our food and water supply could be in trouble.
More Natural Disasters: Since the 1970s, the number of extreme weather events, like hurricanes and wildfires, has risen by about 60%. These disasters destroy habitats and reduce the number of species.
All these problems show why it’s urgent to find ways to fight climate change and protect our ecosystems.
How Climate Change Affects Our Planet
Climate change is having a big impact on the ecosystems around the world. Let’s look at some key effects:
Rising Temperatures: Since the late 1800s, Earth’s average temperature has gone up by about 1.1 degrees Celsius because of what humans are doing. This increase in temperature changes where animals and plants can live. For example, the American Robin is now moving about 200 kilometers further north.
Ocean Problems: As more carbon dioxide (CO2) goes into the air, it dissolves in the ocean, making the water more acidic. Since the Industrial Revolution, the surface water's acidity has increased by 0.1 pH units. This is bad news for many sea creatures, especially those that need calcium to build their shells, like corals. About 25% of marine animals depend on coral reefs, which are in danger.
Loss of Animal and Plant Species: A shocking number of species, up to 1 million, could go extinct because of climate change. For instance, warmer weather and loss of homes are causing amphibians, like frogs, to decrease by more than 40% in many places.
Changes in Nature’s Services: Climate change threatens important services that nature provides. For example, pollination helps grow 75% of our food crops, and wetlands filter our water. Without these services, our food and water supply could be in trouble.
More Natural Disasters: Since the 1970s, the number of extreme weather events, like hurricanes and wildfires, has risen by about 60%. These disasters destroy habitats and reduce the number of species.
All these problems show why it’s urgent to find ways to fight climate change and protect our ecosystems.