Climate Change

Lesson 3

Climate change is already beginning to transform

life on Earth. Around the globe, seasons are
shifting, temperatures are climbing and sea levels
are rising. If we dont act now, climate change will
rapidly alter the lands and waters we all depend
upon for survival, leaving our children and
grandchildren with a very different world.
- Nature Conservancy

What are the repercussions of climate

change?
repercussion: an unintended
consequence occurring some time
after an event or action, especially
an unwelcome one (i.e. impacts)

Turn and talk:

With your partner (or at your table),
brainstorm a list of things that you think
might be repercussions of climate
change. (Be ready to share one or two
things with the whole class.)

Some Examples:

1. Sea level rise. Already we are seeing

people displaced by sea level rise, and
there is strong potential of many more
climate change refugees. This also takes
away farmland.

Examples (cont)

2. Spread of diseases. Diseases (like

malaria and west nile virus) that are
spread by insects are expanding their
range due to warmer weather.

Examples (cont)

3. Extreme weather events. Warmer

ocean waters leads to more intense
hurricanes. Warmer air holds more
moisture, so heavy rainfall and floods are
occurring around the world. Also extreme
droughts are being seen during the dry
season.

Examples (cont)

4. Ocean acidification occurs as carbon

dioxide is absorbed by the ocean. This
changes the pH, making it more acidic.
This is killing coral reefs, which has huge
effects on the species that depend on
coral to live in.

Ten Indicators of a Changing Climate:

The next image shows ten indicators
(signs) of a changing climate. The figure
was made by the National Climate
Assessment and Development Advisory
Committee. (2010).
(Figure source: NOAA NCDC based on data updated from Kennedy et al. 2010)

Stop and Jot: Complete this table in your packet

Indicator

Increased
water vapor =
higher
humidity.

What evidence
about this
indicator have
you seen
or read about?

What could be How is this

the impact
indicator
of this indicator impacting you?
on wildlife,
cities,etc.?

Research Project: What are the repercussions for

the midwest? (Research Link: http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/)