The cryosphere is under threat glaciers and polar ice are melting, Melting sea ice exposes darker ocean waters
Ramped up droughts, floods and other extreme weather.
Increase in the growth of bacteria and quantity of pests
The oceans are getting hotter, expanding and becoming more acidic.
Heatwaves are more frequent worldwide.
Decrease in planetary albedo
In more naturally arid areas, droughts and wildfires intensify.
Forced migration (climate refugees), civil conflict
Extinction of species - loss of life
Change in agricultural patterns (USA's grain belt will shrink, Canada's growing season will increase)
Flooding (it is estimated that sea levels rise at 0.8 to 3.3 mm/yr)
Farms are more likely to face attacks from weeds, diseases and pests, which reduce yield.
Warmer atmosphere increases the formation of ground-level ozone
With warmer temperatures means an increase of circulation of water throughout the hydrological cycle (longer and harder rainfall)
Increase in the spread and occurrence of disease
Conflict and war over resources (water wars)
Water shortages, water stress, increase in contaminated water
Oceans are becoming less efficient carbon sinks.
Further rise of green house gas emissions
30% of the carbon dioxide that humans have put into the atmosphere has diffused into the oceans.
Slash and burn technique used to create farmlands release carbon dioxide
Opening of sea routes - Increase in trade
Food prices will rise, so will cost of living
Infrastructure and transportation are at risk.
Desertification and land degradation
Continued rapid urbanization
Farms are more likely to face attacks from weeds, diseases and pests, which reduce yield.
Greater rates of respiratory illness, allergies,cancers and other illnesses.
More money to be spent to repair, protect and create resilient infrastructure.
The true economic impact of climate change is hard to predict. But it’s safe to say that many key economic sectors – from fishing to energy to water utilities – will feel long-term impacts of climate change.
