Changes in the incidence of species, their reproductive cycles, growing seasons and interactions with the environment are the result of increasing Earth's temperature. The expected climate warming will cause the migration of species, including invasive alien species, mainly from Southern Europe, North Africa, Asia, with the simultaneous withdrawal of species not adapted to high temperatures and drought in summer and not used to severe frosts.

Floods, droughts, landslides and erosion of watercourse beds will become more frequent. The effects of these changes will be particularly visible in areas where biodiversity is diminishing,

said Deputy Minister Adam Guibourgé-Czetwertyński.

As the Deputy Minister of Climate and Environment stressed during the meeting, in the case of the Polish-Belarusian Cross-Border Site "Białowieża Forest", included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, an increase in the average annual air temperature by 1.27°C was observed between 1950 and 2015. As a result, there has been a noticeable drought and the resulting drop in groundwater levels. This has a significant impact on the weakening of certain tree species and their susceptibility to insect damage. Moreover, the winter season is becoming shorter and the snow cover in the Białowieża Forest is disappearing earlier.

During the meeting, Deputy Minister Guibourgé-Czetwertyński also highlighted the importance of climate change adaptation measures in the cities.

At the Ministry of Climate and Environment, we are developing concrete solutions, including legislative, financial and other mechanisms to support cities in adapting to climate change, including in particular financing sustainable rainwater management in cities, small retention in local catchment areas, as well as developing green and blue infrastructure and promoting nature-based solutions,

- said the Deputy Minister.

He concluded that, given the impact of climate change on cultural and natural heritage, further international cooperation is needed to share experiences, information and best practices aimed at mitigating the effects of rising global temperatures.