There is strong scientific evidence that climate change is already impacting plant and animal populations, and model projections indicate that the current trends are likely to continue over the coming century. This module includes a synthesis and presentation that reviews case studies from the primary scientific literature on the observed effects of climate change on biodiversity and an exercise that has participants explore the communication and interpretation of climate change science through role-playing as climate scientists or journalists.
Featured in: *Lessons in Conservation: The Network Issue
See also:
The Global Carbon Cycle: The Chemistry of Climate Change
Introduction to Climate Change
Ocean Acidification: Building a Skeleton in A Changing Ocean
Theme: Understanding Biodiversity
Language: English
Region: Global
Keywords: climate change, modeling, planning, anthropocene, communication
Components: 5
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This synthesis reviews the observed effects of climate change on biodiversity, drawing on key findings from the primary scientific literature. Case studies covering a broad taxonomic and geographical range have been selected to provide examples of recent studies on these impacts, including poleward and upslope shifts in distribution, changes in disease risk, phonological responses, coral bleaching, and community-level impacts.
Source: AMNH Science Bulletins, July 2010
The vast boreal forest just south of the Arctic Circle is a key region for studying climate change--both impacts of it and contributions to it. Trees and permafrost are vast reservoirs of carbon. Watch ecologists conduct experiments in Alaska's forest that aim to unravel the complex feedbacks among plants, permafrost, and climate so scientists can better predict the future of our warming planet.
5 files
Author: K.M. Hanson, S.J. Siller, R.G. Pearson
In this exercise, students explore the communication and interpretation of climate change science
by participating in interviews as one of two defined roles: climate scientist or journalist. In these roles,
students will analyze and interpret scientific findings published in the primary scientific literature, and
will then practice communicating science in written and oral forms.
Author: R.G. Pearson, S.J. Siller, N. Gazit
This presentation serves as a companion of the synthesis document.
Author: K.M. Hanson, R.G. Pearson
