THE NATURE OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate refers to average weather in a particular place. It includes precipitation, temperature, humidity,
wind, and seasons. Climate patterns play an important part in the formation of natural ecosystems.
Human economies and cultures also depend on climate. However, in recent times, our climate has
changed drastically with disturbing impacts. It is observed that the change in our climate is progressing
faster in the last 2,000 years. Since 1900, the global average temperature has risen by 0.7°C while the
northern hemisphere is noticeably warmer than at any point during the past one thousand years. These
small changes in the Earth's average temperature can lead to great and potentially dangerous changes in
climate and weather patterns. Many places throughout the world have experienced changes in the
amount of rainfall which resulted to more floods, intense rains or droughts, and severe heat waves. The
oceans and glaciers have also experienced some significant changes. The oceans become warmer and
more acidic; ice caps started to melt; and sea levels began to rise. These changes in our environment in
recent times are big challenges to human society. These phenomena is referred to as climate change.

The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2014) and the Philippine Climate
Change Commission define climate change as the "general change in temperature, rainfall, wind, and
other climate patterns that can be determined by changes in the mean or the variability of its
properties, and that persists for an extended period, typically decades or longer." Climate change can be
caused by "natural internal processes or external forces such as modulations of the solar cycles, volcanic
eruptions, and persistent anthropogenic changes in the composition of the atmosphere or in land use"
(Philippine Climate Change Commission n.d.).

Climate change refers to a significant change in the climate conditions and measures that usually lasts
for an extended period of time. It involves major changes in temperature, precipitation, or wind patterns
that can occur over a particular length of time.

Global warming, on the other hand, is caused by an ongoing rise in global average temperature near
Earth's surface. It is due to an increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Global
warming causes changes in climate patterns. It represents an aspect of climate change.

CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Humans can live and survive on earth because of the sufficient heat that we receive from the Sun. Some
of the solar radiation bounces back into space but a small portion of it is trapped by the delicate balance
of gases that make up our atmosphere. Without this coating of insulation, the Earth would become a
frozen rock. Carbon dioxide or CO, is considered as the most important gas in the Earth's layer of
insulation. Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere through different human activities such as
fossil fuel (e.g., coal, oil, and gas) burning and cutting down trees. Because of this, our atmosphere
contains about 42% more carbon dioxide than during the industrial era. The increasing release of carbon
dioxide and other greenhouse gases, namely water vapor, and smaller amounts of carbon dioxide,
methane, and nitrous oxide, made the Earth's atmosphere into a thick, heat-trapping blanket. Because
of the disruption of the atmospheric balance that maintains the stability of the Earth's climate, our
planet is now experiencing the effects of climate changes. Human changes in land use and land cover
have altered the Earth's reflectivity or the ability of the Earth to absorb or reflect the amount of sunlight.
Deforestation or the destruction of forest; desertification or the process of land degradation in arid or
dry, sermiarid and subhumid regions of the world, and urbanization or the movement of people to the
cities contribute to changes in climate.

Climate scientists believe that the main cause of the current global warming trend is the human
expansion of the greenhouse effect. What is greenhouse effect?

When sunlight reaches the surface of the Earth, it can either reflect the light back into the space or it can
be absorbed by the Earth. Once it is absorbed, the Earth releases some of the energy back into the
atmosphere as heat or infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases or GHGs include water vapor (H₂O), carbon
dioxide (CO₂), and methane (CH) and they absorb energy which slows or prohibits the loss of heat to
space. In this way, greenhouse gases serve like a blanket that makes the Earth warmer than it would
otherwise be. This process is commonly known as the "greenhouse effect."

Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect are the following:

1. Water vapor (H₂O)

The water vapor is considered as the most abundant greenhouse gas. It serves as a feedback to the
climate. It usually increases as the Earth's atmosphere warms

2. Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

Carbon dioxide is the principal greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. It is released through
natural processes such as respiration, volcanic eruptions, and through human activities such as
deforestation, land use changes, and fossil fuel burning. Humans have increased atmospheric carbon
dioxide concentration by one- third since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. Currently, human
activities release over 30 billion tons of CO, into the atmosphere annually. This is the most important
cause of climate change.

3. Methane (CH)

Methane is a hydrocarbon gas produced by natural sources and human activities which includes the
decomposition of wastes in landfills, rice cultivation, ruminant digestion, and domestic livestock manure
management. Methane is a more active greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide but it is much less
abundant in the atmosphere.

4. Nitrous oxide (N₂O)

Nitrous oxide is a powerful greenhouse gas produced due to soil cultivation practices, especially the use
of commercial and organic fertilizers, fossil fuel combustion, nitric acid production, and biomass burning.
N₂O concentrations have risen by approximately 20% since the start of the Industrial Revolution, and has
rapidly increased by the end of the 1900s.

5. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs),

perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF), or F-gases are used as coolants, foaming agents,
fire extinguishers, solvents, pesticides, and aerosol propellants. Unlike water vapor, F-gases have a long
atmospheric lifetime, and emissions of these can affect the climate for long period of time.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Economic Activities

Since the Industrial Revolution began in 1750, human activities have contributed tremendously to
climate change by adding carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases to the atmosphere. These
greenhouse gas emissions increased the greenhouse effect and resulted to an increase in the
temperature of the Earth's surface. The emission of greenhouse gas from fossil fuel burning is the
primary human activity that affects the rate of climate change.

Human changes in land use and land cover have altered the Earth's reflectivity or the ability of the Earth
to absorb or reflect the amount of sunlight. Deforestation, desertification, and urbanization contribute
to changes in climate.

At the global scale, carbon dioxide released from fossil fuels burning and Industrial processes are mostly
emitted in the atmosphere (65%). It is followed by methane emission (16%) which comes from
agricultural activities, waste management, energy use, and biomass burning. Carbon dioxide emission
from forestry and other land use (11%) places third. Nitrous oxide emission (N₂O) is fourth with 6%
emission rate. Nitrous oxide emission comes from fertilizer use, and biomass burning. F-gases placed
fifth with 2% emission rate. The emission of F-gases come from industrial processes, refrigeration, and
the use of a variety of consumer products which include hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons
(PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF)

The global greenhouse gas emissions can also be explained by looking at the percentage of its emission
in different consumption and production activities. The electricity and heat production sector emits 25%
of greenhouse gases in 2010, sources of which come from the burning of coal, natural gas, and oil for
electricity and heat. The industry sector constitutes about 21% of 2010 global greenhouse gas emissions.
Emissions from the industry sector are derived from the burning of fossil fuels in energy facilities. This
sector also includes emissions from chemical, metallurgical, and mineral transformation processes that
are not associated with energy consumption. It also emitted due to waste management activities. The
third sector with the highest greenhouse gas emission percentage is the agriculture, forestry, and other
land use sector which is about 24% of the global greenhouse gas emissions. The greenhouse gas
emissions from this sector originate from the cultivation of crops, livestock domestication, and
deforestation. The transportation sector emits 14% of greenhouse gases and it primarily originate from
fossil fuels burned for road, rail, air, and marine transportation. Almost 95% of the world's
transportation energy comes from petroleum- based fuels, largely gasoline and diesel. Buildings release
6% of greenhouse gas. The greenhouse gas emissions from this sector are derived from on-site energy
generation and burning fuels for heat in buildings. Other energy sectors constitute 10% of greenhouse
gas emissions. These ten percent refer to all emissions from the energy sector which are not directly
connected to electricity or heat production. These include fuel extraction, refining, processing, and
transportation.

In 2011, China, the United States, the European Union, India, the Russian Federation, Japan, and Canada
are the top carbon dioxide emitters of the world. These data include carbon dioxide emissions from
fossil fuel combustion, cement manufacturing, and gas flaring. Together, these sources represent a large
proportion of total global carbon dioxide emissions.

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND TRENDS

Human activities also contributed to climate change. The largest known contribution comes from the
burning of fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide gas to the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases and
aerosols affect climate by altering incoming solar radiation and outgoing infrared (thermal) radiation
that are part of Earth's energy balance. The changes in the atmosphere abundance or properties of
these gases and particles can lead to the warning or cooling of the climate system. Since the start of the
Industrial Revolution the overall effect of human activities on climate has been alarming. The human
impact on climate during this era greatly exceeds changes caused by natural processes, such as solar
changes and volcanic eruptions. Human activities emit four principal greenhouse gases, namely, carbon
dioxide (CO), methane (CH), nitrous oxide (N₂O) and the halocarbons, a group of gases that is made up
of fluorine, chlorine, and bromine. These gases gather in the atmosphere and cause concentrations to
increase with time.

The increase in emission of greenhouse gases are attributed to differem economic activities. Carbon
dioxide emission increased due to the use of fossil fuels in transportation and in cement manufacture.
Deforestation releases carbon dioxide and reduces its intake by plants. Carbon dioxide is also released
when plant matter decays. Methane emission risen as a result of human activities related to agriculture,
natural gas distribution, and landfills. Methane is also released from natural processes that occur in
wetlands. Nitrous oxide is emitted due to fertilizer use and fossil fuel burning. Natural processes in soil
and the oceans also release nitrous oxide.

Halocarbon gas concentrations have increased as a result of human activities. Principal halocarbons
include the chlorofluorocarbons (e.g., CFC- 11 and CFC-12), which were used mainly as refrigeration
agents and in other industrial processes. The presence of these gases in the atmosphere was discovered
to cause the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer. Fortunately, the abundance of
chlorofluorocarbon gases is decreasing due to international regulations implemented to protect the
ozone layer.

Ozone is a greenhouse gas that is repeatedly produced. Human activities have increased ozone emission
through the release of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxide which react chemically to
create ozone. These halocarbons destroy the ozone layer in the stratosphere.

Aerosols are small particles present in the atmosphere that have varying sizes, concentration, and
chemical compositions. Some aerosols are directly released into the atmosphere while others are
formed from emitted compounds. Aerosols are made up of naturally occurring compounds and particles
emitted due to human activities, Fossil fuel and biomass burning have increased aerosols containing
sulfur compounds, organic compounds. and black carbon or soot.

In the Philippines, greenhouse gas emissions have increased from 1994 to 2000. In the 2000 Philippine
GHG Inventory published by the Philippine Climate Change Commission and the Department of Interior
and Local Government Primer on Climate Change, the total greenhouse gas emission in the Philippines
was 21,767.41 Gg CO2e (Gigagram of Carbon dioxide equivalent). Energy related industries emitted the
largest amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from 1994 to 2000. From 50,040.33 kilotons in 1994, it has
increased to 69,667.24 Gg CO2e six years later which comprised to about 55% of the total greenhouse
gas emission in the Philippines. It is followed by the agricultural sector which produced 37,002.69 Gg
CO2e in 2000 compared to about 33,128.57 kilotons in 1994. Waste processes placed third with total of
11,599.07 Gg CO2e while the industry sector ranked fourth as it produced and emitted 8,609.78 Gg
CO2e.

In the United States, greenhouse gas emissions have increased by about 7% since 1990. Annually, the
emissions rise and fall due to economic changes, varying fuel prices, and other factors. In 2014, the
greenhouse gas ermissions of the United States increased compared to its 2013 level.

LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

We have witnessed the devastating effects and impacts of global climate change on the environment.
What scientists predicted in the past about the global effects of climate change are now happening. We
have heard news about the loss of sea ice, the accelerated rise of sea level, and the lingering and more
intense heat waves in different parts of the world. In general, these array of evidences prove that the
damage brought about by climate change are real and they will continue to occur over time.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), an international agency of the United Nations
that includes more than 1,300 scientists from the United States and other countries, predicted that
world temperatures will continue to increase in more years to come, because of greenhouse gases
emissions produced by humans. It is estimated that temperature will rise by 2.5 to 10°F over the next
century. The IPCC further forecasted that the rise in global mean temperature of less than 1.8 to 5.4°F or
1 to 3°C above the 1990 levels will produce positive effects in some regions but can be harmful in other
regions

Some of the long-term effects of global climate change include the following:

1. Rise in temperature

Climate change will bring about a continuous rise in global temperatures due to the increase of
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These GHGs are caused by human activities that continue to emit
harmful gases into the atmosphere. According to climate scientists, the increase in temperature will not
be constant or the same across different countries.
2. Changes in the patterns of precipitation In the United States, the average precipitation has increased
since.

1900, but some areas have had increases greater than the national average while some areas have had
decreases. More winter and spring precipitation are projected for the northern United States while less
precipitation for the Southwest during the century. Projections of future climate of the US suggest that
the recent trend toward the occurrence of increased heavy precipitation will continue. This trend is
projected to occur even in regions where total precipitation is expected to decrease.

3. Droughts and heat waves intensify ouroughts and heat waves in different css Intense re likely to
become more intense as cold waves become less intense everywhere Summer temperatures are likely
to rise continuously. Soil moisture will be reduced and can exacerbate heat waves.

4. Strength and intensity of typhoons and hurricanes will increase Since the early 1980s, the intensity,
frequency, and duration of strong hurricanes and typhoons have increased. Storm intensity and rainfall
rates are projected to increase as warm climate continues

5. Rise of sea level by one to four feet by 2100

Global rise in sea level by about eight inches began in 1880. Scientists projected the rise of sea level by
one to four feet by 2100. This projected rise come from the additional water caused by the melting of
land ice and the expansion of seawater. Scientists believed that in the next several decades, storm
surges and high tides could join the rising sea level that will further increase flooding in many of regions.
Sea level rise will not end in 2100 because the oceans take a longer time to respond to warmer
conditions at the Earth's surface. Ocean waters will continue to warm and the sea level will continue to
rise for many centuries at rates which are equal to or even higher than that of the present century.

6. Shrinking ice sheets

Scientists have observed the decrease in mass of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. Data from
NASA's Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment reveal that Greenland lost about 150 to 250 cubic
kilometers or about 36 to 60 cubic miles of ice per year between 2002 and 2006. Antarctica, on the
other hand, lost about 152 cubic kilometers or about 36 cubic miles of ice between 2002 and 2005.

7. Ocean acidification

The acidity of the surface ocean waters has risen by about 30 percent since the start of the Industrial
Revolution. The increas of surface ocean waters' acidity is the result of increasing human emission of
carbon dioxide into the atmosphere which are absorbed into the oceans. The amount of carbon dioxide
absorbed by the upper layer of the oceans increase by about two billion tons every year,

IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON AGRICULTURE

Changes in temperature, amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂), and the frequency and intensity of extreme
weather could have significant impacts on crop yields. Warmer temperatures can allow crops to grow
more quickly, but could also decrease crop yields. Crops tend to grow faster in warmer conditions.
However, for some crops like grains, faster growth can reduce the amount of time that seeds need to
grow and mature. For any particular crop, the effect of increased temperature will depend on the crop's
ideal temperature for growth and reproduction. In some areas, global warming may benefit the types of
crops that are typically planted there. However, if warming goes beyond a crop's optimum temperature,
crop yields can be reduced.

Extreme temperature and precipitation due to drought can hinder the growing of crops. Extreme events
particularly droughts can destroy crops and decrease yields. Agricultural countries relying on rain for
plant cultivation face big challenges because climate change resulted to projected increase in summer
temperatures and decline in precipitation levels. The lack of water supplies prevents farmers from
planting and cultivating their lands.

Impacts on Livestock

Heat waves caused by climate change threaten the livestock sector as well. Heat stress affects animals
both directly and indirectly because it can increase the vulnerability of animals to diseases and reduce
their fertility and milk production. Drought can also affect animal pasture and feed supplies. Areas that
experience longer and more intense droughts have lesser amount of fodder available to grazing
livestock. Climate change can also result to the spread of parasites and diseases that affect livestock. The
start of spring and warmer winters, for example, allow parasites and pathogens to survive more easily.
In areas with increased precipitation, moisture-reliant pathogens could increase.

Impacts on Fisheries

Climate change can affect the supply of fish and marine life because many marine and aquatic species
can only survive on particular temperatuse ranges. For example, the cod found in the North Atlantic
require water temperatures below 54°F to survive. Sea-bottom temperatures above 47°F can reduce
their ability to reproduce.

Diseases among aquatic life are more prevalent in warm waters. For example, in southern New England,
a particular temperature-sensitive bacterial shell disease caused the decimation and decline of lobsters
supply in the region. Temperature and season changes can also affect the timing of reproduction and
migration of marine life. An aquatic animal's life cycle is based on temperature and the changing of the
seasons. Hot water temperatures can affect the life cycle of salmon. It can also increase the likelihood of
disease among salmons. Combined with other climate impacts, these effects are projected to cause the
decline of salmon supply. The increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide can also lead to the increasing
acidity of the oceans. An increase in the ocean's acidity level can weaken the shells of shellfishes. The
acidification of ocean waters can also create an imbalance of the ecosystems.

RISKS OF SPECIES EXTINCTION DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change is considered as a stressor that contribute to the extinction of species. Climate scientists
note that about 20 to 30 percent of the plant and animal species are at risk of extinction if temperatures
projected to occur by the end of the twenty-first century will really happen. The projected rate of
species extinctions are estimated to be ten times greater than the observed global average rates at
present. Examples of species that are climate-sensitive and are at risk of getting extinct include animals
adapted to mountain environments and animals that are dependent on sea ice habitats. These include
ringed seals, cold-water fish, and salmon in the Pacific Northwest

IMPACTS ON WATER SUPPLY AND QUALITY

Semiarid and arid areas like the Mediterranean region, Southern African regions, and northeastern Brazil
are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change as far as the supply of water is concerned. Over
the next Century, theage as fare expected to experience decreasing waste population particularly in
areas that are already experiencing droughts, population presThe availability of water resources is
connected with the amount and timing of rainfall. By 2050, it is projected that the annual average river
run will rise by 10 to 40% at high latitudes and in some wet tropical area However, a decrease of about
10 to 30% is expected in some dry regions mid-latitudes and in the subtropics. As temperatures
increment, snowpac in different regions decline and glaciers melt at unprecedented rates. These cause
an increase in flood risks. Droughts are expected to become prevalent while increases in heavy rain will
bring about more flooding. Temperature increase, precipitation change, sea level rise, and extreme
events court reduce water quality in many regions. Saltwater can be affected by the rising sea level
while storm surges could threaten water supplies in coastal areas and in small islands.

IMPACTS ON HUMAN HEALTH

Climate change can endanger the health of people. On the next page are examples of health-related
effects of climate change.

1. Sustained rise in temperatures can lead to frequent and severe heat stress.

2. The reduction in air quality that complements heat wave can cause breathing problems and
respiratory diseases

3. Climate change can affect the supply of agricultural products and disrupt the balance of the food
systems which can all lead to a higher rate of malnutrition brought about by the lack of food supply

4. Climate changes can cause the spread of infectious diseases. For example, meningococcal meningitis
is usually connected to climate change patterns particularly drought. Sub-Saharan and West African
areas are sensitive to the spread of meningitis, and will be particularly at-risk if droughts will become
more common and severe in the region.

5. Mosquito-related diseases such as malaria may increase in areas that are affected by higher levels of
precipitation. An increase in the amount of rainfall can cause the spread of the dengue fever.
6. People who live in low-income countries are vulnerable to disasters due to climate change. These
vulnerable groups include the urban poor, aged people, young children, traditional societies, subsistence
farmers, and coastal people. Many regions in Europe, South Asia, Australia, and North America have
experienced health issues related to climate change. Rural populations, older people, outdoor workers.
and those without access to air conditioning are the most vulnerable to heat-related diseases and
deaths.

Impact of Climate Change in the Philippines

1. El Niño phenomenon will intensify

When El Niño phenomenon occurs, the ocean water's surface located in the southern Pacific becomes
abnormally warm. The energy produced by this warming is so massive that it can lead to a sudden
change in the weather in different parts of the world. In Southeast Asia, it can lead to abnormal dry
conditions.

2. The sea surface temperatures will rise

In the Philippines, an increase of about 4 to 5 degrees Celsius in the sea surface temperature have been
recorded. Warmer seas kill coral reefs which lead to the decline of fish supply.

3. Ocean acidification

The change in the PH levels of oceans can lead to the death of coral reefs. Because of ocean
acidification, shrimps do not develop skins and oysters cannot develop shells. Fish larvae may not
develop bones. This problem can endanger food security and the livelihood of many fisher folks.

4. Sea levels will rise by 4 to 6 meters

Current data show an increase in sea level. Sea level rise of about 4 to 6 meters can submerge low-lying
communities like Tacloban City, Leyte.

5. Tropical cyclones will intensify

Tropical cyclones are already recorded in areas where the phenomenon had never been observed. On
November 8, 2013, the Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) was considered as the strongest typhoon
recorded in history which devastated numerous cities in the Visayas region.

6. Rainfall, river flow, and flooding will intensify

Monsoon rainfall in the Philippines will intensify. Some parts of the country will experience an upward
trend in water precipitation while other parts will experience an intensification of drought. Recently,
Philippine cites have already experienced increasing amounts of rainfall. In Tacloban City, rainfall
increased by 257% from 1998 to 2011.
 Impacts of Climate Change in Africa

1. It is projected that by the year 2050, about 350 million to 600 million people are expected to
experience water stress due to climate change.

2. Climate change is projected to affect the agricultural production, including access to food in many
African countries and regions.

3. By the end of the 21st century, the sea level rise projection is expected to affect low-lying coastal
areas that have large populations.

4. Climate variability and change can also affect human health. Malaria cases are expected to increase in
southern Africa and the East African highlands.

Impacts of Climate Change in Asia

1. Glaciers in Asia are melting very fast. The melting of glaciers can increase the risks of flooding and
rock avalanches from damaged slopes.

2. Climate change is projected to decrease supply of fresh water in Central, South, East, and Southeast
Asia, especially in large river basin areas. With the increase of population, this decrease of water supply
could affect more than a billion people in Asia by the year 2050

3. Increased flooding from the sea and rivers is a threat to coastal areas particularly in densely
populated delta regions in South, East, and Southeast Asia.

4. An increase of people getting sick of and dying due to diarrhea is expected in East, South, and
Southeast Asia due to projected variations in the hydrological cycle caused by climate change.

Impacts of Climate Change on Australia and New Zealand

1. Water security problems in Southern and Eastern Australia and in the Northern and Eastern parts of
New Zealand are expected to worsen by 2030.

2. By 2020, substantial loss of biodiversity is expected to happen in ecologically rich sites, like the Great
Barrier Reef and Queensland Wet Tropics.

3. Coastal areas will be badly affected by the rise of sea level. It will be evident in areas such as Cairns
and Southeast Queensland (Australia) and Northland to Bay of Plenty (New Zealand).

4. By 2030, severe cases of drought and fire are projected to cause significant By2099es in the
agricultural and forestry production of Southern and Eastern Australia including parts of Eastern New
Zealand.

Impacts of Climate Change on Europe

1. Retreating glaciers, longer growing seasons, species range shifts, and heat wave-related health
impacts are expected to happen frequently in Europe.

2. Higher temperatures and drought may reduce water supply, hydropower potential, and crop
productivity in southern Europe.

3. In Central and Eastern Europe, precipitation during summer time is expected to decrease while forest
productivity is also expected to decline.

4. In Northern Europe, climate change is expected to bring various effects. As climate change continues,
winter floods will become more frequent and endangered ecosystems will also increase.

Impacts of Climate Change on Latin America

1. By the middle of the century, there will be increases in temperature and decreases in soil moisture
that will cause savannas to gradually replace tropical forests in eastern Amazonia.

2. In drier areas, climate change can cause severe droughts, lead to an increased salt content and
desertification of agricultural lands.

3. Livestock and crop productivity is expected to decline which could affect the food security of the
region.

4. Sea level rise is projected to increase the risk of flooding and which can lead to the displacement of
more people.

5. Coastal erosion in low-lying areas is expected to happen.

6. Changes in precipitation patterns and the melting of glaciers can affect water supply that is available
for human consumption, agricultural and energy generation purposes.

Impacts of Climate Change on North America

1. Moderate climate change in the early decades of the century is projected to increase total yields of
rain-fed agriculture by 5 to 20 percent.

2. Increases in the number, intensity, and duration of heat waves are expected to become major
problems of cities that experience heat waves at the present time.

3. Climate change will worsen pollution.

Impacts of Climate Change on Polar Regions

1. Climate changes will possibly reduce the thickness of glaciers and ice sheets.

2. Changes in the balance of ecosystems will have harmful effects on many organisms like birds,
mammals, and predators in the Polar Regions.
3. In the Arctic region, climate changes will likely decrease the extent of sea ice and permafrost. Damage
to infrastructure and changes to winter activities such as ice fishing and ice road transportation might
occur.

4. Coastal erosion can worsen due to permafrost reduction and melting, sea level rise, and stronger
storms.

5. Terrestrial and marine ecosystems and habitats are projected to become more dangerous to invasive
species.

Impacts of Climate Change on Small Islands

1. Deterioration in coastal conditions, such as beach erosion and coral bleaching

2. Sea level rise is projected to worsen flood, storm surge, erosion, and other coastal hazards.

3. By the middle of the century, climate change is projected to reduce already the inadequate water
resources in the Caribbean and Pacific.

4. With higher temperatures, invasion by nonnative species is expected to increase especially in mid-
and high-latitude islands

IMPACT ON FOOD SUPPLY AND FOOD SAFETY

As carbon dioxide increases and climate change continues, the quality and distribution of food will be
affected. Higher air temperatures can increase Salmonella cases and other bacteria-related diseases
because bacteria rapidly develop in warmer environments. These diseases can cause gastrointestinal
diseases and, in some cases, even death. Climate change can result to higher risks of chemical
contaminations in food. For example, higher sea surface temperatures can bring about higher mercury
concentrations in seafood while increases in extreme weather conditions will introduce contaminants
into the food chain. to happen