Reading: Climate Change and Natural Disasters

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A reading by the National Wildlife Federation that discusses how climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events and other natural disasters. This overview reading can be used as an introduction to the topic by teachers interested in teaching about climate change and disasters and hazards.The reading includes discussions on the following topics: 

  1. Extreme heat waves
  2. Hurricanes
  3. Harmful algal outbreaks
  4. Megafires
  5. Droughts
  6. Floods

Students will learn about climate change impacts and how global warming is potentially causing an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events. They will also understand how different natural disasters impact the wildlife and ecosystems.  

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. Discuss how climate change is contributing to an increased frequency of natural disasters?
  2. How do natural disasters affect wildlife? Use examples. 

About the Tool 

Tool NameClimate Change, Natural Disasters, and Wildlife
DisciplineEarth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Geography
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Change Overview, Disasters and Hazards, Heat Waves, Hurricanes, Megafires, Droughts, Floods, Algal Outbreaks
Climate Topic Disasters and Hazards; Climate Literacy
Type of tool Reading
Grade LevelHigh School, Undergraduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byShannon Heyck-Williams for the National Wildlife Federation
Hosted atNational Wildlife Federation website
LinkLink
AccessOnline/Offline
Computer SkillsBasic
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