Big Issue: Climate Change What does climate change have to do with the sea? Scientists agree that global warming is causing the world’s ice to melt with the result that the world’s seas are gradually rising. As sea levels rise, coastal areas are badly affected by flooding and erosion. Global warming also affects life along the coast and in the sea. Habitats change, meaning that animals and plants need to adapt to survive. Sadly, most species aren’t able to adapt fast enough – evolution works slower than global warming. As you’re exploring the coast see if you can think about ways higher sea levels and a warmer climate might change what you are seeing in the future When you are visiting sites along the coast ask staff at reserves and in museums and other venues (such as lifeboat houses) how they see climate change impacting the environment and their work. Are they noticing differences in habitats and animal populations? Use the information below to help you understand, and ask good questions! Global warming changes how the sea behaves Changes to the temperature of the planet affect the weather with stronger winds and storms causing higher waves, leading to stronger surges onto the coast. These stronger waves threaten fragile habitats such as salt marshes, sand dunes, silt, reedbeds and coastal wetlands. These habitats may be completely flooded, damaged by rough seas or left more salty than normal. Global warming affects the way that colder and warmer streams of water move around the oceans throughout the seasons. Animals move around in these great ocean streams, finding sources of food and places to breed. The temperature of the water is a very important aspect of the ecosystem for each species. These changes affect their normal movements, breeding cycles and feeding chains. In future decades, the sea may be noticeably higher, permanently flooding areas that are now lived in by humans and animals. This activity from www.ourcoastoursea.org. Visit to find many more How does climate change affect this coast? The sea off the Northumberland and Berwickshire coast is called the Northern North Sea. Studies by the National Trust have shown that some birds such as terns which have traditionally nested by the sea’s edge will move further inland to escape stormier conditions. Other marine animals such as seals face the loss of breeding grounds as shingle beaches are swept away and caves flooded. Certain species such as limpets and plankton are moving north to find waters that are cooler. These may dominate and displace native species. Animals that feed on these native species may not adapt easily to new types of food. Warmer winters may have led to reduced numbers of sandeels, which are the staple food for kittiwakes and puffins. Importantly, not all of the effects are known and they change all the time. Getting informed and involved Climate change is the biggest long term challenge faced by those responsible for the conservation of coastal and marine environments. However, their everyday work may be taken up with managing more immediate issues such as litter, pollution, fish stocks or land planning. You can help by: reducing their workload by keeping coastal areas clean and cared for volunteering to help scientists do research by observing animal populations and their habitats raising awareness to encourage others to reduce carbon emissions that contribute heavily to global warming reducing your family’s own ‘carbon footprint’. Find out how to get involved with environmental project related to the coast by looking at the ‘Get Involved’ section of the Our Coast Our Sea website www.ourcoastoursea.org/get-involved This activity from www.ourcoastoursea.org. Visit to find many more