Warming temperatures threaten many species, including humans

Warming temperatures, rising seas, ocean acidification, changes to regional weather patterns—nearly every consequence of climate change threatens the world's 8.7 million species in some way.

About half of flora and fauna are already on the move in search of cooler climes. Even keeping global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius—the target for international climate treaty talks—will force many species to the brink of extinction, threatening food supplies, human health, economies and communities. Here is a rundown of just how big an impact climate change could have on the natural world.

Read Katherine Bagley and Paul Horn’s story on Inside Climate News – “Climate Talks: What's at Stake for the World's Species.”