Climate Change Matters

Changes in the Earth's climate can affect ecosystems [blank] altering the water cycles, habitats, animal behavior - such as nesting and migration patterns - and the timing of natural processes such as flower blooms. Changes that disrupt the functioning of ecosystems may increase the risk of harm or even extinction for some species. [blank] wildfires occur naturally, more frequent and more intense fires can significantly disrupt ecosystems, damage property, put people and communities at risk, and create air pollution problems even further away [blank] the source. While plants and animals have adapted to environmental change for millions of years, the climate changes being experienced now could require adaptation on larger and faster scales than current species have successfully achieved in the past, thus increasing the risk [blank] extinction or severe disruption for many species.