2.3.3 Consequences of climate change

What are three impacts of climate change?

1. Social

2. Economic

3. Environmental

How has sea levels been impacted by climate change?

There has been an average rise in sea level of 20 cm since 1900.

List some social impacts of rising sea levels.

• 600 million people live in coastal areas that are less than 10m above sea level

• People living in vulnerable areas may have to move home or even move different countries. Small islands like Tuvalu are particularly at risk

• People may suffer increased frequency of flooding and storm damage

• People may lose their jobs, for example, in fishing or tourism and have to learn new skills

• The number of environmental refugees [people who have lost their homes due to flooding] will increase

• People living in vulnerable areas will suffer from anxiety and depression

List some economic impacts of rising sea levels.

• Many important world cities include New York, Venice and London may be affected by flooding

• Valuable agricultural land in places like Bangladesh, Vietnam, India and China may be lost to the sea or polluted by seawater

• Transport systems, such as railways, roads and airports may be damaged or destroyed

• Harbours and ports may be affected which will have an impact on fishing and trade

• Valuable land and property will need expensive measures of coastal defense

• Many countries depend on coastal tourism as their main source of income. Beaches may be eroded or flooded, forcing hotels to close. People may decide not to visit.

List some environmental impacts of rising sea levels.

• Fresh water sources such as wells could be polluted by salty seawater — salinisation

• Damage could occur to coastal ecosystems such as mangrove swamps, which form natural barriers to storms

• Damage to coral reefs by storms and powerful waves will affect fish breeding grounds and ecosystems

• Increased rates of coastal erosion will affect ecosystems and habits

• The IPCC estimates that up to 33% of coastal land and wetlands could be lost in the next 100 years

• Harbours may become blocked by sediment due to increased rates of coastal erosion

List some weather extremes of Australia

• Southeast Australia 2009 — heatwave and record-breaking temperatures; worst bush fires killing 173

• Southeast Australia 2011 — wettest summer on record; flooding in Brisbane and damage costing US$1 billion in Victoria

List the weather extreme of Brazil and Argentina 2014.

• extended heatwaves and droughts affecting farming and water supplies

List some weather extremes of USA.

• USA 2012 — hottest July since 1895; most extensive drought since 1956; loss of crops and animals from Great Plains to Midwest

• California 2014 — worst drought on record affecting farming water supplies

List the weather extreme of Western Russia 2010.

• hottest summer since 1500; 30% loss of grain harvest; 500 wildfires near Moscow killer 11,000

List the weather extreme of Europe 2003.

• hottest summer for 500 years; 70,000 people killed; forest fires; water shortages

List some weather extreme of UK.

• England and Wales 2000 — wettest autumn since 1766; widespread flooding

• UK 2012 — exceptional rainfall

• UK 2014 — wettest winter for 250 years; sever flooding

• UK 2015 — wettest December on record brings floodings to many parts of northern England including the lake district and Yorkshire