16.1 Climate change effects on terrestrial and marine ecosystems

Climate change is reshaping terrestrial ecosystems. Rising temperatures are causing species to migrate, altering their life cycles, and disrupting ecosystem dynamics. These changes affect everything from species distribution to carbon cycling, with far-reaching consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Species are adapting through genetic changes and migration, but some can't keep up. This leads to new species interactions and ecosystem compositions. Meanwhile, ecosystem services like food production and climate regulation are shifting, impacting human societies and highlighting the need for equitable climate solutions.

Climate Change Impacts on Terrestrial Ecosystems

Temperature impacts on terrestrial ecosystems

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Top images from around the web for Temperature impacts on terrestrial ecosystems

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  Carbon sink capacity in northern forests reduced by global warming View original

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• Shifts in species distribution patterns
  • Species migrate towards the poles and higher elevations seeking cooler temperatures (butterflies, birds)
  • Habitat suitability and availability change, forcing species to adapt or relocate (alpine plants, polar bears)
• Changes in phenology and life cycles
  • Spring events occur earlier due to warmer temperatures (leaf emergence, flowering, bird migration)
  • Mismatches between species interactions disrupt ecosystem balance (predator-prey relationships, plant-pollinator synchrony)
• Disruptions to ecosystem dynamics
  • Competitive relationships and community composition alter as species respond differently to climate change (invasive species, pest outbreaks)
  • Ecosystems become more vulnerable to disturbances and invasions (bark beetle infestations in forests)
• Modifications in ecosystem productivity and carbon cycling
  • Net primary production and biomass accumulation change with shifting temperature and precipitation patterns (tundra, boreal forests)
  • Feedback loops between ecosystems and atmospheric CO2 concentrations can amplify or mitigate climate change (permafrost thaw, forest fires)

Species adaptation to climate change

• Genetic adaptations and evolutionary responses
  • Natural selection favors traits that provide advantages under new climatic conditions (drought tolerance, heat resistance)
  • The rate and magnitude of climate change may exceed the adaptive capacity of some species (coral reefs, polar species)
• Species migration and range shifts
  • Species colonize new habitats with suitable conditions as their original ranges become inhospitable (tree line advance, marine species)
  • Habitat fragmentation and geographic barriers can impede successful migration and range shifts (mountain tops, islands)
• Differential responses among species
  • Species vary in their dispersal abilities and ecological niches, leading to uneven responses to climate change (mobile vs. sessile species)
  • Novel species assemblages and interactions may emerge as species respond differently to changing conditions (hybridization, competition)

Climate effects on ecosystem services

• Alterations in provisioning services
  • The availability and quality of food, water, and other resources change with climate (crop yields, freshwater availability)
  • Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries face challenges as species distributions and productivity shift (coffee production, timber harvests)
• Disruptions to regulating services
  • Carbon sequestration, water regulation, and climate moderation services are modified by ecosystem changes (deforestation, wetland loss)
  • Natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and wildfires become more frequent and severe, straining ecosystem resilience (coastal flooding, megafires)
• Consequences for cultural and recreational services
  • The aesthetic and cultural value of ecosystems may shift as species compositions and landscapes change (fall foliage, iconic species)
  • Tourism and outdoor recreation activities are impacted by altered ecosystems and weather patterns (ski resorts, coral reef diving)
• Socioeconomic implications and environmental justice
  • Vulnerable communities and regions often face disproportionate impacts from climate change (subsistence farmers, island nations)
  • Existing inequalities and challenges for adaptation are exacerbated, highlighting the need for equitable climate solutions (climate refugees, resource conflicts)

Climate Change Effects on Marine Ecosystems

Ocean changes and marine biodiversity

• Ocean acidification
  1. Increased absorption of atmospheric CO2 lowers ocean pH and alters seawater chemistry
  2. Calcification rates of shell-forming organisms decline, impacting their growth and survival (corals, oysters, pteropods)
  3. The structure and integrity of coral reef systems are disrupted, reducing habitat complexity and biodiversity (Great Barrier Reef)
• Ocean warming
  • Rising water temperatures cause coral bleaching events and increased mortality (mass bleaching events)
  • Species distributions shift towards cooler waters, altering community composition and interactions (jellyfish blooms, kelp forests)
• Impacts on marine biodiversity
  • Habitat complexity and refugia are lost as coral reefs degrade, affecting numerous associated species (clownfish, parrotfish)
  • Food web dynamics and trophic interactions are altered as species respond differently to changing conditions (seabird populations, whale migrations)
• Cascading effects on ecosystem functioning
  • Productivity and resilience of marine ecosystems are reduced, compromising their ability to provide essential services (fisheries, coastal protection)
  • Nutrient cycling and primary production are affected by changes in species composition and abundance (phytoplankton blooms, seagrass beds)