Prior to discussing examples of species that have been affected, we must understand the direct effect of climate change on ecosystems. Climate change causes changes in the natural habitats of species, and often forces them to migrate to other locations. In doing so, food webs in certain locations of the world are altered, breaking the equilibrium that existed previously.

Polar bears are commonly referred to when discussing species that have been affected by climate change. Due to the warming of the Arctic, ice begins to melt, and thus the habitat of polar bears is threatened. Additionally, seals, which are the main prey for polar bears, are threatened due to climate change (as seals require ice in order to raise their young). In the ways described above, climate change affects polar bears in multiple ways - through destroying their habitat and threatening their main prey.