Map Shows World's Climate Zones Are Changing

Climate zones are areas of Earth divided into five regions with different climates and varying temperatures. Scientists use these zones as a form of climate classification which is a system that helps us categorize the world's climates. Aside from factors relating to climate and weather, these regions have also distinct flora and fauna. This distinction has been evident for millions and thousands of years, based on available evidence.

However, in recent years, scientists have found that rising global temperatures, in the context of climate change and global warming, are altering the climate zones across the planet. In a 2018 article, researchers in the United States warn that such alteration of the zones could lead to negative repercussions in various aspects, including food, water security, public health, local economies, and others.

Changing climate zones mean that weather patterns, climate seasons, and extreme natural events could also shift in terms of frequency and intensity. If this trend continues, countries or territories across the tropics and subtropics, as well as regions in the northern and southern poles, could be affected. Furthermore, this series of events will likely impact societies, biodiversity, wildlife, and natural ecosystems.

World's Climate Zones

In an article published by Yale University, it has been found that anthropogenic or human-caused emissions are changing the world's climate zones such as: tropical climates, dry climates, temperate climates, continental climates, and polar climates. This is based on the current global map, showing the shrinking of ice and among other phenomena outlined below:

Tropics are getting larger by 30 miles per decade
Sahara Desert has increased in size by 10% since 1920
The 100^th Meridian has moved 140 miles east
Tornado alley has moved 500 miles east in 30 years
Plant hardiness zones are moving northward in the US
Permafrost line has shifted in parts of Canada
Wheat belt is pushing poleward at 160 miles per decade

The Yale report indicates these changes have occurred over the past century, a period when anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel burning have increased. This surge of emissions is tied to or in relation to human technological advancement, urban development, and economic development.

Also Read: Earth's 'Life Zones': 48 Locations on Earth That Are More Vulnerable to Climate Change

Climate Change Impacts

According to the European Union, climate change affects all regions or climate zones of the world, with reported repercussions including the melting of polar ice shields and rising sea levels. In some zones, extreme weather events and rainfall are increasing in frequency compared to before. Meanwhile, other regions are experiencing intensified heat waves and drought conditions.

While the general impacts of climate change have been reiterated by scientists, its long-term repercussions both to communities and biodiversity are still subject to further research. For instance, a 2021 study published in the journal AGU shows that climate change is likely to shrink the cold desert climate zone of the world. In turn, this process will expand the subtropical and temperate zones.