Climate Change Helps Invasive Species Spread
![Cartoon graphic illustrating 6 mechanisms climate change helps invasive species spread, described in the caption](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/media/images/Invasive%20Species%20Spread.jpg?itok=1de5osq6)
Detailed Description
Climate change is impacting invasive species in many ways, including:
- Creating new pathways for invasive species to be introduced, such as new shipping routes that open up as sea ice retreats.
- Increasing CO2 levels, making some invasive plants more competitive and making herbicides less effective
- Causing range shifts as invasive species expand their range into habitats once too cool for them.
- Allowing earlier and longer emergence of pests due to extended growing seasons
- Creating new opportunities for invasions through extreme events like wildfires and hurricanes
Graphic created by ORISE Fellow, Ben Slyngstad.
Sources/Usage
Public Domain.