Climate change refers to changes that have been happening since people have been putting carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases up in the atmosphere. Changes in the earth's atmosphere—due to human activities—have led to warming of the planet.
Climate change is also changing the oceans, which has significant impacts on the nation’s valuable marine life and ecosystems, and the many communities and economies that depend on them.
Scientists expect environmental changes such as warming oceans, rising sea levels, frequency and intensity of floods and droughts, and ocean acidification to increase with continued shifts in the planet’s climate system.
Climate change will affect every aspect of NOAA Fisheries' mission—there is much at risk. Watch the video below to learn how we are working to understand the impacts and respond to these changes.
