A significant sea level rise would cause worldwide problems from places as varied as Florida to Bangladesh to the islands of the South Pacific. Ecosystems would also change as the climate changes. Generally, more tropical climates could be expected to migrate to the north. Changing ecosystems would cause changing wildlife ranges and habitats. Many health researchers fear global warming could increase the spread of disease as species of insects and other disease-carrying agents that are now confined to the tropics become able to migrate northward.
Climate change has potential impacts for international security as well.
Refugee crises caused by environmental changes are a potentially destabilizing impact on international security. Additionally, as fossil fuel supplies dwindle, nations with reserves will become increasingly powerful in the world political arena unless the world accelerates a switch to renewable forms of energy. The effects of global climate change may vary greatly from region to region. These locations could face major land loss if sea level rise predictions are correct. The problem is particularly acute in Florida, where the flat coast means even a one foot vertical rise in sea level could mean the loss of tens of feet of beach land.