![Earth systems icon](/sites/default/files/2021-08/60f6de7d1ca1db75376b3aa5_earthsys%5B1%5D.png)
Habitat Shift or Decline
Shifts in climate are changing the geographical range of many plant and animal species, forcing them uphill, poleward, and elsewhere in search of conditions better suited to their survival.
On top of range shifts, animals are being pushed to change their behavior. Many birds, for example, are having to migrate earlier to keep up with earlier springs.
There are organisms that survive and even thrive in response to regional climate change, but these are exceptions to the rule and include invasive species as well as organisms dangerous to human health — like insect disease vectors, parasites and bacteria.[2] For instance, the deer tick's range in North America has expanded, which means the risk area for Lyme disease has expanded as well.
Read MoreNov 13, 2019 | CBS News
Elephant death toll in Zimbabwe rises to 200 amid severe drought
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Nov 12, 2019 | CNN
There's a hidden consequence of climate change: A deadly virus that's killing key marine species
![](/sites/default/files/styles/card_resource/public/headlines/190606094534-arctic-ice-floe-super-tease.jpg?itok=PCgaqsEX)
Oct 21, 2019 | Associated Press
Study: Climate change could threaten bugs in Missouri
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Nov 12, 2019 | Scientific Reports
Viral emergence in marine mammals in the North Pacific may be linked to Arctic sea ice reduction
Nov 1, 2019 | Scientific Reports
Marine heat wave and multiple stressors tip bull kelp forest to sea urchin barrens
Aug 22, 2019 | Ecology Letters
Evidence for declining forest resilience to wildfires under climate change
Earth Systems Signals
Global warming is causing widespread and rapid changes in the atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere and biosphere.
Heat Signals
The Earth is getting hotter due to human activities that release heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere.
Drought Signals
Climate change is making droughts more likely to occur, and more severe when they do.
Wildfires Signals
Climate change is increasing the size, frequency, intensity and seasonality of wildfires.
Hurricanes Signals
Warmer temperatures increase the rate of water evaporation, which feeds moisture and energy into storms.
Floods Signals
Worsening floods due to climate change are putting a growing number of communities at risk.