Climate Change

Lesson 3
Climate change is already beginning
to transform life on Earth. Around the
globe, seasons are shifting,
temperatures are climbing and sea
levels are rising. If we dont act now,
climate change will rapidly alter the
lands and waters we all depend upon
for survival, leaving our children and
grandchildren with a very different
What are the repercussions of climate
change?
repercussion: an unintended
consequence occurring some time
after an event or action, especially
an unwelcome one (i.e. impacts)
Turn and talk:
With your partner (or at your table),
brainstorm a list of things that you think
might be repercussions of climate
change. (Be ready to share one or two
things with the whole class.)
Some Examples:

1. Sea level rise. Already we are seeing

people displaced by sea level rise, and
there is strong potential of many more
climate change refugees. This also takes
away farmland.
Examples (cont)

2. Spread of diseases. Diseases (like

malaria and west nile virus) that are
spread by insects are expanding their
range due to warmer weather.
 Examples (cont)
3. Extreme weather events. Warmer
ocean waters leads to more intense
hurricanes. Warmer air holds more
moisture, so heavy rainfall and floods are
occurring around the world. Also extreme
droughts are being seen during the dry
season.
Examples (cont)
4. Ocean acidification occurs as carbon
dioxide is absorbed by the ocean. This
changes the pH, making it more acidic.
This is killing coral reefs, which has huge
effects on the species that depend on
coral to live in.
Ten Indicators of a Changing Climate:
The next image shows ten indicators
(signs) of a changing climate. The figure
was made by the National Climate
Assessment and Development Advisory
Committee. (2010).
(Figure source: NOAA NCDC based on data updated from Kennedy et al. 2010)
 Stop and Jot: Complete this table in your packet
Indi Wh Wh Ho
cat at at w is
or evid coul this
enc d indi
e be cat
abo the or
ut imp imp
this act acti
indi of ng
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hav cat
Research Project: What are the repercussions for
the midwest? (Research Link: http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/)