Impacts of climate change
The natural world already has a lot to cope with - deforestation, overfishing and poaching all take their toll. Added to this mix, the impacts of climate change such as changing rainfall patterns and rising seafall levels can push some species over the edge.
Some may be adaptable, but others are very specialised in how or where they exist, which puts them at particular risk.
Global warming is likely to be the greatest cause of species extinctions this century. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says a 1.5°C average rise may put 20-30% of species at risk. If the planet warms more than 3°C, most ecosystems will struggle.
A core part of WWF's work in coming years will be helping people, wildlife and their habitats adapt to the effects of climate change. It's not just about coping with the immediate impacts, it’s about anticipating and planning for future change.
Climate change and forests
Most people know how vital forests are – they soak up carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming, and help regulate the world's climate. They're also home to countless plant and animal species. We're working with communities, local governments and businesses to ensure the world's forests are protected...
Climate change and water
Climate change is having serious and unpredictable effects on the world's water systems through more flooding and droughts. It threatens food chains in our oceans and seas, which sustain a large proportion of life on Earth. Rivers and lakes supply drinking water for people and animals, and a vital resource for faming and industry....
Climate change and polar regions
Recent data has shown that Arctic summer sea ice is melting faster than we had expected, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned that : "The impacts of climate change in the polar regions over the next 100 years will exceed impacts forecast for other regions, and will have globally significant consequences”...
Climate change and animals
For endangered species like the orang-utans in Indonesia and Malaysia – already at risk because of deforestation, habitat loss and illegal hunting – one of the first effects of climate change is likely to be food shortages caused by unusual rainfall patterns. And they're just one of the many species that will be affected...
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