HIPPCO Threats to Biodiversity--Climate Change

Climate Change as a Threat to Biodiversity

Climate change is an increase in average global temperatures associated with human activity. Greenhouse gases trap excess heat in the atmosphere; the video identifies carbon dioxide and methane as two leading contributors.

Climate Risks by Location

Climate risks vary by location. Examples shown include:

• Sea-level rise in Alaska, Florida, and parts of the East Coast
• Water stress in several areas, as growing populations increase demand for water
• Extreme heat in parts of the Midwest
• Extreme rainfall and hurricanes along parts of the Gulf and East coasts
• Wildfires in California and Arizona

Hennepin County’s Climate Threat

Hennepin County’s greatest identified climate threat is water stress. The video describes its current risk level as medium, while warning that it could become more serious.

The presenter suggests focusing on climate harms already occurring locally to better understand the threat and how to respond.

Researcher or Source Featured

Miss Longley (presenter). No external researchers or sources are named.