. Lower sea levels indicate that the warm surface layer is relatively thin and that the cooler, nutrient rich water is closer to the surface increasing fisheries stocks (Warrick 65).Forests cover between 35 and 40% of earth’s land area. They create habitat for wildlife, protect against erosion and store over 80% of the world’s organic carbon (Gates 109). The increase of weather disturbance and habitat change due to global warming will have a negative effect on forest growth. Destruction from increased storminess and fire is part of the forests natural evolution, but too many disturbances along with drought, insects, and disease will hinder reproduction (Godish 198). Forests have always dealt with climate change through migration, but in today's world migration will be more difficult than ever due to the acceleration of change and the disruption of the landscape including cities and highways (Gates 110). Animals will also be affected by the changes in our atmosphere. In 1998, levels of ozone in the upper atmosphere became alarmingly depleted due to the continued release of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. This thinning of the ozone layer has had serious effects among animals. Overexposure to ultraviolet radiation reduces the ability of animals to ward off disease. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in sickness among wild species and herd animals around the world (Bell and Strieber 128). Many bird species depend entirely on a specific habitat that might no longer exist if temperatures continue to rise. Shorebirds depend on aquatic food sources that will not be as prevalent if water temperatures continue to rise (Gates 169). Species of nesting birds that depend on vegetation, as their source of protection from the elements will no longer have a place to live if the climate becomes intolerable for certain plant species (Gates 173). Many birds feed on insects that live in the ground, insects...
