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Impacts of climate change

Climate change complicates all the other pressures on the natural world – affecting wildlife, people and the places they live.

Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) live on coral reefs, which are widely threatened by warming and acidifying seas, a result of climate change

Fragile ecosystems and species already at risk – because of deforestation, unsustainable farming or over-fishing – may be pushed over the edge.

Very few species or habitats will be completely immune to climate change.

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 a major cause of species extinctions this century. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says a 2-3°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.

Amazon dwelling

Climate change and forests
Most people know how vital forests are – they soak up CO2, 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. WWF is working with indigenous communities, local governments and businesses to ensure the world's forests are protected...

Flooding, extreme weather event

Climate change and water
Climate change will have serious and unpredictable effects on the world's water systems. More flooding. More 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. By acting now, we can guard against the dangers and conflict ahead...

Crack in sea ice

Climate change and polar regions
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns: "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.” The WWF-backed Catlin Arctic Survey showed Arctic sea ice could be gone in summer in a decade...

Orang-utan © Digital Vision

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...