ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Climate change and invasive species

Hello there! So, let's talk about two things: Climate Change and Invasive Species.

1. **What is Climate Change?**
Climate is the weather conditions that happen over a long period of time in a particular area. Climate change is when the Earth's climate starts to change over a period of time. This can happen naturally or because of human activity. Some kinds of human activity like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and pollution can cause climate change.

2. **What are Invasive Species?**
An invasive species is a plant or animal that is not native to a particular area, but has been introduced there either naturally or by humans. These species can harm the environment, economy, or human health. Invasive species can reproduce quickly and outcompete the native species for resources such as food, nutrients, water, or habitat.

Now, let's see how climate change and invasive species relate to each other.

3. **Climate Change and Invasive Species**
Climate change can affect the environment and create new conditions that can allow invasive species to thrive. For example, as the climate gets warmer, some invasive plant species may start to grow better and spread faster than native plants. Or some invasive insect species may be able to survive in new areas that were previously too cold for them.

Also, climate change can make it harder for native species to survive. For example, if the climate in an area becomes hotter and drier, some native plant species may not be able to survive anymore because they are adapted to a cooler and wetter environment. Invasive species that are more resilient to these new conditions may take over and dominate the area.

In summary, climate change and invasive species are both big issues that can harm the environment. Climate change can make it easier for invasive species to thrive, and invasive species can worsen the effects of climate change by disrupting ecosystems and reducing biodiversity. It's important to take action to prevent both climate change and the spread of invasive species.