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Climate Change Impacts
Definition of Climate Change
Climate change refers to the long-term warming of the planet, which is
primarily caused by the increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the
Earth's atmosphere.
Current State of Climate Change
The current human-caused global warming is 1.1 degrees Celsius.
This warming is increasingly impacting nature and people's lives everywhere.
More frequent and severe climate extreme events, such as heat waves,
droughts, and flooding, have caused widespread and pervasive impacts to
ecosystems, people, cities, and infrastructure.
Impacts on Ecosystems and Human Societies
Ecosystems Impacts
High mountain ecosystems Loss of biodiversity, changes in species distribution
Deep ocean Ocean acidification, changes in marine ecosystems
Tropical coral reefs Coral bleaching, loss of marine biodiversity
Arctic ice-driven ecosystems Melting of sea ice, changes in species distribution
Vulnerable Populations
The poorest communities are the ones that are strongest hit by climate change.
These communities have limited access to clean drinking water, sanitation,
health facilities, and education.
Climate change acts like a stress multiplier in these regions.
There are approximately 3.3-6 billion people who live in these vulnerable
areas.
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Maladaptation
Maladaptation refers to adaptation actions that result in unintended
consequences, such as the destruction of coastal ecosystems through the
construction of dikes and seawalls.
Maladaptation can increase greenhouse gas emissions and transfer climate-
related risks to other regions or groups in society.
Indigenous peoples, ethnic minorities, and disadvantaged groups are some of
the most affected by maladaptation.
Role of Nature in Climate Change Mitigation
Nature offers significant yet untapped potential to reduce climate risks.
Protecting and restoring 30-50% of the world's ecosystems on land and in the
ocean can help plants and animals build climate resilience.
Nature can help regulate the climate, provide clean water, control pests and
diseases, pollinate crops, and provide nutritious food.
Cities and Climate Change
Cities provide a global opportunity to advance adaptation, mitigation, and
sustainable development simultaneously.
Using different adaptation strategies, such as nature-based and engineering
approaches, can generate wider benefits for health, food security, and
ecosystems.
Transforming Our Way of Life
To secure a healthy, livable planet for everyone, we need to transform our way
of life fundamentally.
Taking action now gives us the best chance of success.
The science is clear: any delay in concerted global climate action means missing
a brief and rapidly closing window to secure a livable future.
IPCC Reports
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IPCC reports provide the most up-to-date science related to climate change for
policymakers to inform their decisions on developing climate-related policies.
Hundreds of scientists worldwide have volunteered their time and expertise to
produce these reports.
IPCC reports go through an extensive review process by experts and
governments to achieve the highest quality.
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