Climate change will have a wide range of effects on habitat. The increased temperatures will lead to sea level rise and increased extreme weather events. In the United States, a sea level rise of 1 foot could eliminate 17 to 43 percent of today’s wetlands.

Ocean acidification, a result of the ocean absorbing increased carbon dioxide, makes it harder for coral reefs to grow. Warmer ocean temperatures increase the number of coral bleaching events. Corals can survive bleaching events, but they often die if the stressful conditions continue for an extended period.

Extreme weather events will lead to coastal habitat loss. Hurricanes and other storms destroy wetlands and other coastal habitats through erosion and flooding, and waves can damage coral reefs. This loss leaves coastal communities more vulnerable to future storms. Droughts and heat waves alter habitat conditions and affect the migratory patterns of fish and other wildlife.