state of survival how to move between states

Top of Page Changes in the Timing of Seasonal Life Cycle Eventsįor many species, the climate where they live or spend part of the year influences key stages of their annual life cycle, such as migration, blooming, and reproduction. Additionally, recently logged forested areas may become vulnerable to erosion if climate change leads to increases in heavy rain storms. For instance, climate change may exacerbate the stress that land development places on fragile coastal areas. Although some stressors cause only minor impacts when acting alone, their cumulative impact may lead to dramatic ecological changes. Similarly, as sea level rises, saltwater intrusion into a freshwater system may force some key species to relocate or die, thus removing predators or prey that are critical in the existing food chain.Ĭlimate change not only affects ecosystems and species directly, it also interacts with other human stressors such as development. For instance, warming may force species to migrate to higher latitudes or higher elevations where temperatures are more conducive to their survival. Changing climate affects ecosystems in a variety of ways. Projected warming could greatly increase the rate of species extinctions, especially in sensitive regions.Ĭlimate is an important environmental influence on ecosystems.

Mountain and arctic ecosystems and species are particularly sensitive to climate change.

Climate change can overwhelm the capacity of ecosystems to mitigate extreme events and disturbance, such as wildfires, floods, and drought.

Climate change can alter where species live, how they interact, and the timing of biological events, which could fundamentally transform current ecosystems and food webs.

State of survival how to move between states