Defining the Issues

What is 'climate change'? What are 'climate impacts'?

• Climate Change refers to the increase in greenhouse gasses (GHGs) like CO2 that trap heat inside our atmosphere.

  • Caused by us – pollution, emissions, and primarily from our use of fossil fuels

• Climate Impacts are the observable effects on our environment of climate change.

  • Some examples of climate impacts and how these issues affect communities:

    • Ocean Acidification

      • Fisheries, local economies and livelihoods, coral reef loss

    • Drought

      • Agriculture, water security, desertification

    • Sea Level Rise & Erosion

      • Loss of land, property damage, aquifer contamination

    • Health

      • Mosquito born illnesses on the rise in new areas

    • Floods & Water Displacement

      • Destruction of property and crops, waterborne illnesses