2.4.7—Global warming effects

Warming tends to move suitable climate conditions poleward or upslope, but real biomes may lag, fragment or disappear.

Species must disperse, establish and find soil and interactions in the new area. Mountains, land use, fragmentation and slow reproduction can block the climate envelope.

A cool-adapted plant may find suitable temperatures higher up a mountain, but if no connected habitat exists it cannot follow the climate quickly.

Species movement or habitat may be slower or blocked, so realized occupancy lags the climate shift.

A climate envelope is not a guaranteed species migration map; biological and human barriers matter.