• Significant shift in the geographic distribution and
range of marine and terrestrial species
• Exacerbation of current stresses and increased
likelihood of species extinction
• Elevation migration of some plant species (notably
trees) and the extinction of some alpine species
• Changes in the migration pattern and breeding
grounds of some species, such as Whooper swans,
Steller’s sea eagles, and Japanese crane
• Increased occurrence of exotic, invasive species,
pests, and diseases
• Earlier flowering and later senescence of some plant
species, including iconic cherry trees, with potential
for ecosystem mismatches (plants, birds and insects
being at greatest risk)
• Cascading ecosystem effects of sea ice decline,
leading to massive ecological changes in the oceans
and coastal seas