Climate Change

Some effects of climate change—rising seas, warming water temperatures and prolonged periods of extreme weather—are already being observed in the Bay region.

Experts describe the challenges that climate change presents, as well as efforts to adapt to climate change and mitigate its worst effects. (Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)
Animated infographic shows how water temperature in the Chesapeake Bay region's rivers and streams has increased since 1960.
As air temperatures rise, so do water temperatures. Warmer waters place stress on aquatic plants and animals like brook trout. These native trout can only survive in clean, cool water. (Data provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.)
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The animated infographic shows a river habitat that contains aquatic plants and fish. On the right side of the graphic, an old-fashioned glass thermometer contains red liquid. At the beginning of the animation, the plants are green, the river contains plentiful brook trout, and the liquid in the thermometer indicates that in 1960, the water temperature was 68.3 degrees Fahrenheit. As the animation progresses, the plants turn brown, the brook trout disappear and the liquid in the thermometer rises. By the end of the animation, the plants are dead, there are only two brook trout remaining and the liquid in the thermometer indicates that in 2014, the water temperature was 69.5 degrees.