Chapter-8
Chapter-8
THE FUTURE:
INTRODUCTION
Group 7
Albiso, Calvo, Canarecio, Salatan
Chapter Overview
1. Focuses on future climate change and what might happen.
4. Discusses "tipping points" where small changes can lead to bigger effects.
5. Considers how changes could impact living things, land, and natural processes.
INTRODUCTION
Human activities have driven a significant rise in greenhouse gases,
causing rapid global warming. This “global warming” is altering our climate
with effects that may last for centuries. Greenhouse gases like carbon
dioxide and methane have reached levels not seen for millions of years,
raising global temperatures and shifting weather patterns. Predictions
suggest that by 2100, temperatures could rise by 1.8–7.1°C, resulting in
severe changes in precipitation, soil moisture, and environments worldwide.
These transformations will drastically reshape landscapes and habitats,
with some areas facing extreme impacts.
CHANGES IN THE
BIOSPHERE
KEY IMPACTS OF CLIMATE
CHANGE ON THE BIOSPHERE:
1. Vegetation changes
2. Changes in forest composition
3. Habitat loss
4. Impact on species
1. Vegetation Change
As the Earth gets warmer, plants As the Earth gets warmer, plant
are moving up mountains to find communities are moving closer
cooler temperatures. to the North and South Poles,
which are colder regions.
2. Changes in Forest Composition
Understanding the Impact
Warming temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns are
altering forest ecosystems.
Tundra Ecosystems
Rising temperatures in the Arctic are melting ice and snow,
shrinking habitats for animals like polar bears and mountain
goats. As the ice melts, these animals have less space to hunt,
breed, and rest, putting their survival at risk.
Coastal Ecosystems
Coastal ecosystems are facing threats from rising sea levels and
ocean acidification. Mangrove forests, crucial for coastal
protection and biodiversity, are being lost to rising seas.
Additionally, ocean acidification is hindering the ability of
creatures like oysters and corals to build their shells, jeopardizing
their existence.
4. Impact on Species
Tundra
Significant reduction in extent as the tree line advances.
Increased shrub cover may alter ecosystem dynamics.
Fynbos
This unique biome in South Africa is at risk of contraction
due to climate change.
Amazon Rainforest
Vulnerable to increased drought and deforestation, which
could trigger a tipping point and lead to widespread
dieback.
Marine Ecosystems
Coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds are
threatened by ocean warming, acidification, and sea-level
rise.
CLIMATE AND
GEOMORPHOLOGY
Climate's Impact
on Landforms
Temperature variations impact processes
like glacial advance and retreat, permafrost
thawing, and coral reef health, while
precipitation levels control river erosion, soil
deposition, and desert expansion.
Future
Challenges
Climate and landforms are intricately linked,
with small changes in one system often
triggering significant impacts on the other.