Effects of climate change

Effects of climate change are changes in natural systems and human societies caused by shifts in temperature, precipitation, sea level, and climate extremes.

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Arctic sea ice decline: A long-term reduction in the extent, thickness, and seasonal persistence of sea ice in the Arctic. Shrinking summer ice reflects Arctic warming and alters habitats, travel, and regional climate.
Global warming: The long-term rise in Earth's average surface temperature, driven primarily by human greenhouse-gas emissions. It raises the baseline on which many climate impacts and extremes occur.
Climate change and human health: The effects of climate change on illness, injury, mental health, and mortality. Heat, smoke, infectious disease, and disasters create direct and indirect health burdens.
Climate justice: An approach to climate change that emphasizes fairness in its causes, impacts, and responses. Those least responsible for emissions often face greater exposure and fewer resources to adapt.
Climate change mitigation: Actions that reduce greenhouse-gas emissions or increase their removal from the atmosphere. Mitigation addresses future causes, while effects describe changes already occurring or expected.
Coral bleaching: The loss of symbiotic algae or their pigments from corals, often caused by heat stress. Marine heatwaves trigger bleaching that can weaken reefs and reduce their biodiversity.
Climate feedback: A process that amplifies or dampens an initial change in the climate system. Feedbacks such as melting ice can accelerate or moderate some impacts.
Climate change and agriculture: The effects of changing climate conditions on crops, livestock, and agricultural production. Heat, water stress, pests, and extreme events can alter yields and food supply.
Loss and damage: Climate-related harms that occur despite mitigation and adaptation, including economic and non-economic losses. Some impacts exceed the ability of communities to prevent or adapt to them.
Climate change adaptation: Adjustments in human or natural systems that reduce harm or make use of opportunities from climate change. Adaptation responds to impacts rather than preventing the underlying climate shift.