Rising global temperatures are one of the most serious consequences of climate change studied in IB Geography. As average global temperatures increase, natural systems are placed under stress, leading to widespread environmental impacts. These effects operate at global, regional, and local scales and are central to understanding climate vulnerability and resilience.
One major environmental impact of rising temperatures is melting ice and rising sea levels. Glaciers and polar ice sheets are melting at increasing rates, adding large volumes of water to the world’s oceans. Thermal expansion also occurs as warmer water takes up more space. Rising sea levels threaten low-lying coastal areas, small island states, and river deltas, increasing the risk of coastal flooding, erosion, and habitat loss.
Another significant impact is the disruption of ecosystems and biodiversity. Many plant and animal species are adapted to specific temperature ranges. As temperatures rise, species may be forced to migrate to cooler areas or higher altitudes. Those unable to adapt or move quickly enough face increased risk of extinction. Coral reefs are particularly vulnerable, as higher sea temperatures cause coral bleaching, damaging marine ecosystems that support millions of people.
Rising global temperatures also intensify extreme weather events. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and severe, increasing the risk of drought, wildfires, and water shortages. Higher temperatures can increase evaporation rates, leading to drier soils and reduced agricultural productivity. In contrast, warmer air can hold more moisture, contributing to heavier rainfall and increased flood risk in some regions.
Changes in temperature also affect freshwater systems. Glacial melt initially increases river discharge, raising flood risk downstream. Over time, however, reduced glacier size leads to declining river flows, threatening water supplies for agriculture, industry, and domestic use. This is especially important in regions that depend on seasonal meltwater.
In IB Geography, it is important to recognise that environmental impacts are unevenly distributed. Some ecosystems and regions are far more vulnerable than others due to location, climate, and adaptive capacity. This uneven impact contributes to global inequality and raises questions of environmental justice.
Overall, rising global temperatures are transforming Earth’s physical systems. Sea level rise, ecosystem disruption, extreme weather, and freshwater stress all demonstrate how closely linked climate and the environment are. These impacts highlight the urgent need for effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.
RevisionDojo helps IB Geography students understand environmental impacts clearly by linking climate processes to real-world consequences and exam-style explanations, supporting confident and well-balanced answers.
