Ecosytems
The impacts of global warming will be felt across the globe. These are a few of the many examples of the impacts of climate change on ecosystems.
American Ecosystems
Earlier spring – A study observing 36 species in the central U.S. documented advances in flowering dates by an average of 7.3 days from 1936 to 1998.
Northward Shift – A study projecting responses to a doubling of atmospheric CO2 found that tree habitats in the eastern U.S. may migrate northward more than 50 miles on average. However, the ability of trees to shift might be limited in regions where forests are only found in isolated patches.
Shifting Penguin Populations
Adélie penguin populations decreased 22% during the last 25 years, while Chinstrap penguins increased by 400%. The two species depend on different habitats for survival: Adélies inhabit the winter ice pack, whereas Chinstraps remain in close association with open water. A 7°–9°F rise in midwinter temperatures on the western Antarctic Peninsula during the past 50 years, and associated receding sea-ice pack, is reflected in their changing populations.
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Shifting penguin populations
The Chinstrap penguin (left) has increased in population by 400% in the last 25 years, as compared to the Adélie penguins (right), which have become less populous. (Photos courtesy of
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Department of Commerce) |
Tiger Losses
It is estimated that only about 3,000 – 4,500 Bengal tigers remain in the wild. The number in Bangladesh is projected to decrease as a result of rising sea levels. For tigers and the many other species that inhabit the forested wetlands of Bangladesh, migration to higher ground probably would be blocked by human habitation of adjacent lands.
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