Consequences for Biodiversity and Ecosystems

Climate change is causing species to become more vulnerable to extinction, not more resilient.

Polar bears rely on sea ice for hunting and breeding. As the sea ice melts due to climate change, polar bears are losing their habitat and are at risk of extinction.

Migration is the movement of species from one area to another in response to changes in environmental conditions, such as climate change.

Increased aggression is not typically a direct result of climate change, although it can be an indirect result of changes in resource availability or competition.

Climate change is causing ecosystems to become more vulnerable to collapse, not more resilient.

Coral reefs are very sensitive to changes in water temperature and acidity. As the ocean warms and becomes more acidic due to climate change, coral reefs are bleaching and dying.

Adaptation is the process by which ecosystems adjust to new environmental conditions, such as those caused by climate change.

Increased ecosystem vulnerability is not an example of adaptation. Adaptation is the process by which ecosystems become more resilient to change.

Mitigation is the process by which humans reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases that cause climate change.

Increasing the use of air conditioning increases the demand for electricity, which is often generated from fossil fuels. This leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions.

Conservation is the process by which humans protect and restore biodiversity and ecosystems.

Introducing invasive species is not an example of conservation. Invasive species can harm native species and ecosystems.

Resilience is the ability of an ecosystem to withstand and recover from disturbances, such as climate change.

Introducing invasive species is not an example of how ecosystems can become more resilient to climate change. Invasive species can harm native species and ecosystems, making them more vulnerable to climate change.

Adaptation is the process by which humans reduce the impacts of climate change on human health and well-being.