🌡️ Lesson 39: Climate Change Effects

Weather is what happens today. Climate is the long-term pattern. Climate change means long-term shifts in temperature, rainfall, storms, ice, oceans, and ecosystems.

As ice melts and oceans warm, sea levels rise. Low islands, river deltas, and coastal cities face greater flood risks. The Maldives, Bangladesh, Miami, Venice, and many Pacific islands are vulnerable.

Hotter temperatures can increase heat waves, droughts, wildfire risk, and water stress. Farms, forests, cities, and human health are all affected.

Glaciers and polar ice are shrinking in many places. This affects sea level, freshwater supplies, ecosystems, and shipping routes.

Climate change does not affect every place the same way. Some cold regions may gain longer growing seasons, while many hot or low-lying regions face serious risks.

Solar works best in sunny places. Wind works best in windy places. Hydropower needs rivers. Nuclear needs infrastructure. Adaptation also depends on local geography.