Climate Change

The Poles

Earth’s poles provide a front-row seat for climate change. The Arctic is changing faster than any other place on Earth. The Antarctic is also changing. The warming of the ocean that surrounds it is one reason that glaciers and ice shelves on this icy continent are disintegrating. Find out what some of the world’s best climate detectives have uncovered about these frozen places and take a peek at what’s happened in the past, what’s happening now, and what may happen to our planet in the future.

The Atmosphere

Earth’s atmosphere is all around us. It is wrapped around Earth like a blanket. It keeps us warm. It protects us from the Sun’s harmful rays. Life just wouldn’t be possible without it. But for the last two centuries, humans have been changing the air. We’ve been adding gases to the atmosphere that are making our planet warmer. This is changing Earth’s climate. And it’s affecting not only our air, but also our oceans, our ecosystem— and us.

Ecosystems

As our planet’s air, water and soil grow warmer, its wildlife hunts for new habitats when old ones become unlivable. Countless species are on the move, from tiny corals to towering pine trees, from slow-flying butterflies to fast-swimming whales, and from curious penguins to fearless polar bears. They’re in search of cooler waters, thicker forests, or higher ground. Nature is waving a red flag. Ecosystems are changing!

The Oceans

You’ve heard the news—the world is getting warmer. Even the very largest of ecosystems, our oceans, are feeling the heat. The oceans cover more than 70 percent of the globe. They are home to more than 80 percent of life on Earth—from seaweed to sharks. They store heat. They regulate our weather. They provide much of our food. Many of our cities hug their shores. When it comes to understanding how Earth is responding to climate change and what it means for our future, scientist look to the oceans for important clues.