Impact of Climate Change
The impact of climate change, the effects that changes in the Earth’s climate system have on the environment, human societies, and the economy, are wide-ranging and can be severe. Some of the most significant impacts include:
- Rising sea levels: As temperatures increase, glaciers and ice caps melt, causing sea levels to rise. This can lead to flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion in coastal areas.
- Extreme weather events: Climate change can cause more frequent and severe weather events such as hurricanes, heatwaves, droughts, and floods.
- Disrupted ecosystems: Changes in temperature, rainfall, and other factors can disrupt ecosystems, causing species to migrate or become extinct.
- Public health challenges: Climate change can exacerbate health problems such as asthma, allergies, and infectious diseases, as well as lead to malnutrition and heat-related illnesses.
- Economic losses: Climate change can lead to economic losses from property damage, crop failures, and disruptions to trade and supply chains.
This research pillar supports both faculty and graduate students whose work investigates the impact of climate change and seeks to provide solutions and recommendations for how to lessen the environmental damage that has already been done and prevent further damage from occurring.
