Direct Impacts of Climate Change
Driving Question: How is climate change affecting natural systems?
How are rising global temperatures directly tied to changes in Earth’s natural systems? This lesson explores why every fraction of a degree matters in shaping climate outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify and describe direct impacts of climate change.
- Analyze a direct impact to understand it’s effects and potential future consequences.
- Explain why small amounts of warming are significant when it comes to climate impacts.
Vocab Terms:
- biomes
- climate model
- direct impacts
- sea-level rise
- temperature anomaly
In this course, we define direct impacts as measurable changes in Earth’s natural systems caused directly by warming temperatures.
If you haven’t already, check out the article “The Impacts of Climate Change” from the previous lesson to help students understand the distinction between direct and indirect climate impacts.
What are some direct impacts of climate change, and how do changes in one system effect other areas?
Ever heard of a grolar bear (grizzly + polar bear)? What about a coywolf (coyote + wolf)? As climate change and habitat loss push species into overlapping ranges, hybridization is becoming more common among animals that can interbreed. In some cases, this can boost genetic diversity and improve a population’s ability to adapt. But it can also create challenges—as in the case of the infamous liger—where hybrids may suffer from reduced fertility or genetically linked health issues.
How much of an impact can half a degree really have? Study the infographic to see how a seemingly small temperature increase can make a big difference, and then complete the writing activity to make a case for why each fraction of a degree matters.
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Guiding Questions
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Before you read
Preview the questions below, and then skim the full infographic, paying attention to things like prominent colors, numbers, charts, and types of text. How do you know where to start and in which direction to read? How do you know which numbers are most important? What concept is the focus of the graphic?
While you read
Look for answers to these questions:
- Will everyone experience the effects of warming temperatures equally? Why or why not?
- How will half a degree difference affect conditions on land?
- How will half a degree difference affect our oceans?
After you read
Respond to this question: Choose one of the five direct impacts covered in the graphic. Will this change impact your life or your community? How?
Teaching in a science classroom? These activities align closely with NGSS learning standards. Check out OER Project: Climate Standards Alignment to learn more.
Read the article to explore some of the numbers behind the impacts of rising temperatures on one natural system. Then, do your own research and investigate a direct impact of your choice.
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Guiding Questions
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Before you read
Preview the questions below, and then skim the article. Be sure to look at the section headings and any images.
While you read
Look for answers to these questions:
- According to Chart 1, how have global sea levels changed over the last 1,000 years?
- What correlation is suggested by Chart 2?
- According to Chart 3, how has the rate of global sea-level rise changed in the last 150 years? Where does this data come from?
- According to Chart 4, what will determine how much sea levels rise over the next century?
- What do the two maps tell you about the importance of this direct impact for human communities around the world?
After you read
Respond to this question: Sea-level rise is connected to several other direct impacts. What other direct impacts do you think will be made worse as sea levels rise? How so?
Did you know: A common misconception is that the Sahara desert is the largest desert in the world. In fact, it is the largest hot desert in the world. The largest desert in the world? It’s actually the Antarctic desert (5.5 million square miles), followed closely by the Arctic desert (5.4 million square miles), with little ol’ Sahara desert coming in third (3.5 million square miles).
The Sahara desert—now one of the hottest, driest places on Earth—was once lush and green. What caused this dramatic shift, and what might it reveal about how climate change could reshape regions today? Use the accompanying activity to brainstorm some ideas before you start watching the video, then answer the activity questions as you watch.
New to working with climate maps? No problem. This activity introduces students to reading and interpreting complex data visuals.
Ready to go further? The extension at the end of the activity offers students the chance to explore climate maps and impacts more deeply.
Practice your data-literacy skills as you explore how our actions can influence the severity of climate impacts over time.
Think about the ways many different systems are interconnected and can be impacted by climate change, and what that means for you and your community.
