Water moves in a continuous cycle, dubbed the"hydrological cycle", in which it is moved throughout the Earth as it is taken in by plants and animals, condensed and precipitated, infiltrated, as well as by other processes.

One of the most significant impacts of climate change is predicted to be shifts in storm intensities, a rise in sea level, and increasingly rapid snow and ice melt (both from mountain glaciers, as well as in the Arctic).

Hurricanes. According to recent scientific studies, increased intensity of hurricanes can be attributed in part to climate change. In addition, scientists are now drawing a link between climate change and the first-ever South Atlantic hurricane, which occurred in Spring 2004.

Glaciers and snow melt. Glaciers are retreating, ice sheets are melting and collapsing, and early snowmelt is augmenting warming rates. Recent scientific studies document these climate change impacts in detail and discuss implications for the future.

Hydrological cycles, water supply. Climate change is altering hydrological cycles, with long-term implications for global food availability and the viability of ecosystems. We are already seeing changes in the frequency and intensity of drought and flooding. In addition, mountain snowmelt is coming earlier due to warming temperatures, limiting water supply during peak demand season.