The ocean holds more than 97% of the water on Earth. Through its role in the water and carbon cycles, the ocean is a major contributor to many of Earth’s processes—and it hosts some of our planet’s most diverse ecosystems.
Now global warming and resulting climate change are impacting those ocean ecosystems and the marine wildlife living there. Regional climate changes have resulted in increased numbers of storms, floods, and droughts, which affect wild animals’ migration, nesting, and hibernation activities, as well as the availability of regular food sources.
Meanwhile, rising water temperatures, sea levels, and ocean acidity are affecting our coastal habitats and the animals that live in or near them, including polar bears, whales, seals, fish, penguins, turtles, and humans.
Sounding the Alarm
The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recently released a large-scale study focusing on climate change. The new report demonstrates just how wide-ranging the effects of a warming world will be. “We have assessed impacts as they are happening in natural and human systems on all continents and oceans,” said Rajendra Pachauri of the IPCC. “No one on this planet will be untouched by climate change."
Courtesy IFAW
According to the study, glaciers will continue to shrink as the climate warms. Species on land and in the sea are shifting their range in response to warming, and some will face an increased risk of extinction. Health impacts will be felt from heat waves and from floods in low-lying areas. The seas will continue to become more acidic, destroying coral reefs.
Content-Rich Resources and Guides Now Available for FREE Download.
Learn more about climate change and how your classroom can make a difference.
IFAW’s new Climate Change and Animals series of teaching resources explore the impacts of climate change on animals and people. Below, you’ll find links to student magazines, lessons, and worksheets that introduce the theme and address its impacts, particularly on the marione biome.
These resources are appropriate for middle and early secondary school students and are aligned with various National Science Standards Practices, Crosscutting Concepts and Disciplinary Core Ideas.
How Climate Change Affects Life on Earth - A student magazine and lessons that outline the meaning of climate change, the effects of rising temperatures on our planet, and how this impacts animals around the world.
Climate Change and the Marine Environment -
A student magazine and lessons that detail how ocean processes work and the effect of the changing oceans on marine animals and coastal habitats.
Animal Homes on Thin Ice - A student worksheet that illustrates how climate change is affecting the sea habitats of many animals.
IFAW Climate Change Pledge - Commit to fighting climate change by recycling, saving energy, reducing wasteful travel, and encouraging others to change.
IFAW Teacher's Library -A wealth of free online lesson plans on animal welfare and conservation themes.
UNESCO's Climate Change Education for Sustainable Development - Learn more about the international response to climate change and build your students' "climate literacy" with this valuable resource.