Plants and Climate Change course

The first section looks at what climate and climate change is, and at why climate change is happening. It then discusses some of the effects and impacts of climate change. This is followed by a brief overview of biodiversity and its relationship with a changing climate.

The second section gives a brief overview of some of the many ways in which plants are impacted by a changing climate and focuses in more detail on a few of these. Plants are heavily dependent on the climate of the areas in which they live and have adapted through evolution to their environment. Some are more flexible in their habitat requirements and some are adapted to very specific conditions. In this section we will see some effects of changing climatic conditions on the lives of plants.

Pinus sylvestris in the Cairngorms, Scotland. Image by Peter Mulligan used under CC BY 2.0 (cropped from original)

The third section looks at some ways in which plants themselves have an effect on the climate and focuses more closely on a few examples. Plants store carbon as solid matter. This carbon is released upon their death and decay (or destruction). This makes plants both sources and 'sinks' for carbon.

Peatlands are a habitat for species like this sundew (Drosera). These plants survive in the nutrient-poor peat by catching and digesting insects and absorbing the nutrients in their bodies.

The final section explores the many ways in which we can all help reduce climate change and its effects, from individual and local actions through to regional and global measures. This section gives you suggestions for taking positive action. Even small things add up to make a difference! We will show you that there are many ways in which you can contribute to limiting climate change.

Just go directly to Plants and Climate Change (opens in a new tab or window) to start learning