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Aquatic Ecosystems
Climate change will alter temperatures, flow conditions, and water levels which, in turn, affect species survival, reproduction and growth. Changes in mean and variability of precipitation patterns affect ecosystem productivity and biological diversity. Not all impacts are negative, however: high latitude lakes that might experience longer ice-free conditions and enhanced biological productivity.
Coastal ecosystems are highly active in production of plant carbon from atmospheric carbon dioxide. Coastal wetlands also are rich and diverse ecosystems. Human-induced changes in these regions, together with impacts of climate change such as sea-level rise and warming, create enhanced stresses on fragile natural systems.
Oceans occupy 71% of the surface of the planet. Evaporation and CO2 balance at the ocean surface is very temperature dependent. Climate change may alter sea level and ocean circulation, vertical mixing, and sea-ice cover. These, in turn, will affect nutrient availability, biological productivity, structure and functioning of marine ecosystems, and heat and carbon storage capacity. Such changes have implications for coastal human settlements, fisheries, tourism, recreation, transport, and off-shore structures.
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