08 Feb The impact of climate change on global ecosystems
Climate change affects global ecosystems at multiple levels, from the populations that make up ecosystems to the services they provide to communities, economies, and people.
1. Changes in Species and Populations
As the climate changes, some species will adapt by changing their behavior, physical characteristics, or how their bodies function. Others will not be able to adapt. As a result, climate change could lead to expansions, reductions, or extinctions of some populations. These changes, in turn, can affect the overall biodiversity of a region.
2. Altered or Reduced Ecosystem Services
Climate change is affecting some of the critical services that ecosystems provide to society. For example, ecosystems provide a bounty of food to people. Climate changes, like drought and heat, could affect the availability and quality of some foods, as well as farmers’ ability to grow certain crops.
3. Ecosystem and the economy
Ecosystems and their benefits, often referred to as ecosystem services, support key aspects of human existence. As a result, they are the foundation to large parts of the economy. Globally, ecosystem services are worth an estimated $125 to $145 trillion per year.
Climate change impacts affect the livelihoods of millions of Americans, including fishers, loggers, ranchers, and farmers. For example, the stress caused by rising water temperatures and ocean acidification could cost the shellfish industry hundreds of millions of dollars. Shifting ranges for certain fish mean that fishers may need to travel farther to catch them or purchase new equipment to reach those areas. These shifts are projected to result in losses of hundreds of millions of dollars each year by the year 2100.
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