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    Climate Change

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    kek831384

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Climate Change

    Uploaded by

    kek831384
    6 views2 pages

    Original Title

    climate change

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    6 views2 pages

    Climate Change

    Uploaded by

    kek831384

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as txt, pdf, or txt
    of 2

    Climate Change and Its Impact on Global Ecosystems

    Introduction
    Climate change refers to significant, long-term changes in the global climate
    patterns. The primary driver of contemporary climate change is the increase in
    greenhouse gas emissions due to human activities, such as burning fossil fuels,
    deforestation, and industrial processes. This has led to global warming, which is
    having profound effects on ecosystems worldwide.

    Effects on Terrestrial Ecosystems


    Temperature Rise and Habitat Alteration

    Increased temperatures are causing shifts in the distribution of plant and animal
    species. Species adapted to cooler climates are moving towards higher altitudes and
    latitudes, leading to changes in community composition and potentially disrupting
    local ecosystems.
    For example, the tree line in mountainous regions is advancing upwards, impacting
    alpine flora and fauna.
    Phenological Changes

    Climate change is altering the timing of biological events, such as flowering,


    breeding, and migration. This can lead to mismatches in ecological interactions.
    For instance, early flowering of plants may not coincide with the activity of their
    pollinators, affecting plant reproduction.
    Extreme Weather Events

    Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as droughts,


    hurricanes, and wildfires, are causing immediate and long-term damage to
    terrestrial ecosystems. For example, prolonged droughts can lead to forest dieback
    and increased susceptibility to pests.
    Effects on Marine Ecosystems
    Ocean Warming and Acidification

    The oceans absorb much of the excess heat from global warming, leading to changes
    in water temperature. Warmer waters can affect marine life, including coral reefs,
    which are highly sensitive to temperature changes. Coral bleaching, a stress
    response to warm water, has led to significant coral mortality.
    Ocean acidification, caused by the uptake of CO2, affects the calcification
    processes of marine organisms such as corals, mollusks, and some plankton species,
    impacting the marine food web.
    Sea Level Rise

    Melting polar ice caps and glaciers, along with the thermal expansion of seawater,
    contribute to sea level rise. This threatens coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves,
    salt marshes, and estuaries, which serve as crucial habitats for various species.
    Disruption of Marine Currents

    Changes in temperature and salinity are altering major ocean currents, impacting
    nutrient distribution and marine biodiversity. For example, the slowing down of the
    Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) could affect weather patterns
    and marine ecosystems on both sides of the Atlantic.
    Effects on Freshwater Ecosystems
    Temperature and Ice Cover
    Rising temperatures are reducing ice cover on lakes and rivers, affecting species
    that depend on ice-covered environments. This can also lead to changes in water
    stratification and nutrient cycling within freshwater bodies.
    Hydrological Changes
    Altered precipitation patterns and increased evaporation rates are affecting
    freshwater availability. Changes in river flow regimes can impact fish spawning and
    the health of riparian ecosystems.
    Water Quality
    Increased temperatures and altered precipitation patterns can lead to changes in
    water quality, including increased incidences of algal blooms and reduced oxygen
    levels, which can harm aquatic life.
    Conclusion
    The impact of climate change on global ecosystems is complex and multifaceted,
    affecting terrestrial, marine, and freshwater systems. The resulting shifts in
    species distributions, phenological changes, and alterations in habitat conditions
    pose significant challenges for biodiversity and ecosystem services. Mitigating
    these impacts requires comprehensive strategies that include reducing greenhouse
    gas emissions, protecting and restoring ecosystems, and enhancing adaptive
    capacities.

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