Rising Temperatures: The average global temperature has been steadily increasing for decades, with the last eight years being the hottest on record. This warming trend disrupts weather patterns and ecosystems.
More Extreme Weather Events: Climate change intensifies existing weather patterns, leading to more frequent and severe heatwaves, droughts, floods, wildfires, hurricanes, and other extreme weather events.
Melting Glaciers and Polar Ice Caps: As temperatures rise, glaciers and polar ice caps are melting at an alarming rate. This contributes to sea level rise and disrupts freshwater supplies for many regions.
Sea Level Rise: Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Low-lying island nations are particularly vulnerable to inundation.
Ocean Acidification: The oceans absorb a significant amount of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, causing them to become more acidic. This harms marine life, especially organisms with calcium carbonate shells.
Changes in Precipitation Patterns: Rainfall patterns are shifting due to climate change, leading to more flooding in some areas and increased droughts in others. This impacts agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.
Loss of Biodiversity: Climate change disrupts ecosystems and habitats, leading to the decline and extinction of plant and animal species. This has a cascading effect on entire ecosystems.
Threats to Food Security: Climate change disrupts agricultural production by altering weather patterns, increasing pests and diseases, and impacting water availability. Food security becomes a challenge for many regions.
Mass Migration: Climate change can force people to migrate from their homes due to rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and food insecurity. This creates social and economic challenges.
Health Impacts: Climate change can worsen existing health problems and create new ones. Heat stress, air pollution from wildfires, and the spread of diseases are some examples.