The effects of climate change.

Climate change is our planet’s greatest existential threat. If we don’t limit greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels, the consequences of rising global temperatures include:

1. Massive Crop and Fishery Collapse: Agricultural systems are disrupted, leading to reduced crop yields and food shortages. Fisheries are also impacted due to changes in ocean temperatures and acidity.

2. Biodiversity Loss: Hundreds of thousands of species are at risk of extinction. Habitats are altered, affecting wildlife migration patterns and survival.

3. Extreme Weather Events: As global temperatures climb, weather systems shift, making events like droughts, hurricanes, and floods more intense and unpredictable. Heatwaves become more frequent, posing health risks and straining infrastructure.

4. Rising Sea Levels: Melting glaciers and ice sheets contribute to rising sea levels, threatening coastal communities and ecosystems.

5. Ocean Acidification: Increased carbon dioxide absorption by oceans leads to acidification, harming marine life and coral reefs.

6. Health Impacts: Climate change affects human health directly through heat stress and indirectly by spreading infectious diseases.

7. Displacement and Migration: Entire communities may become uninhabitable due to extreme weather events or rising sea levels, leading to forced migration.

8. Economic Consequences: Climate change impacts economies through damage to infrastructure, loss of productivity, and increased healthcare costs.

While these outcomes may still be avoidable, climate change is already causing suffering and death. Understanding these impacts can help us prepare for what’s here, what’s avoidable, and what’s yet to come, and to better prepare and protect all communities.

Remember, everyone is affected by climate change, but those living in the world’s poorest countries—which have contributed least to the problem—are the most vulnerable. Let's work together to combat climate change and fight for climate justice.