Let’s face it — grappling with the reality of climate change is no easy feat. At this point, the best coping mechanism might just be laughing through what feels like impending doom. Science even backs this idea of laughing in the face of adversity. Turns out, humor can serve as a powerful tool to alleviate stress and soothe both physical and mental tension caused by fears of environmental catastrophe.

Eco-anxiety is no joke, but if we don’t laugh, climate despair will just lead to burnout. So, in honor of National Laugh Day, we’ve compiled a list of the strangest, most absurd consequences of global warming. 

Puerto Rico’s coquí frogs are shrinking due to global warming, but, at the same time, their mating calls are getting louder and higher-pitched. Imagine nature’s own tiny, ribbiting opera — except nobody asked for it

A 2023 study found that global warming is reducing air density, helping baseballs soar out of stadiums more frequently. By 2100, home runs could be 10% more common. Though playing games in the scorching heat may not be ideal, at least the MLB record books are probably going to look more impressive.

Hot sauce lovers, beware: there’s a chili shortage! As extreme weather patterns disrupt agriculture, Sriracha and Dijon mustard manufacturers alike are suffering due to crop scarcity. Climate change isn’t just killing biodiversity — it’s killing flavor.

Urban areas are seeing skyrocketing rat populations. Rising temperatures are to blame for this surge, particularly in densely populated cities, because warmer weather boosts their reproduction rates and extends their breeding season. While we struggle with existential dread, these residential rodents are living their best lives. 

Ever heard of a grolar bear (grizzly + polar bear)? How about a coywolf (coyote + wolf)? Oh, and how could you forget blinxes (bobcat + lynx)? Climate change and habitat loss is forcing animals to get creative with their love lives, leading to hybrid species like these.

Jellyfish are migrating to new and altogether unexpected regions. Sightings in UK and Irish waters increased by 32% in 2023, courtesy of a marine heatwave. As warmer waters push jellyfish into new territories, prepare for surprise stings in places you never thought possible.

Rising sea temperatures mean sharks are venturing into new waters, and shark attacks could start to happen in more unlikely places If you were already scared to swim in the ocean, congratulations — your paranoia is now scientifically just a tiny bit more justified. Nonetheless, the likelihood of encountering sharks is still astronomically low and we are team shark. 

According to a BBC report, extreme heat and wildfires are warping the taste of wine. Some vineyards are producing grapes with an oddly sweet, raisin-like flavor as a result of warmer weather making them ripen too fast. Wine connoisseurs, be warned that your favorite vintage might never taste the same again.

Carbon emissions are causing the thermosphere to contract, reducing drag on orbiting objects such as satellites and space junk. Less drag means faster objects, leading to more collisions that could disrupt GPS, cell service, and television broadcasts. Thanks, climate change.

Ocean acidification is messing with fish’s sense of smell. This phenomenon, known as anosmia, affects their ability to navigate the deep blue sea and find food, mates, or escape predators. Since the Industrial Revolution, ocean carbon dioxide levels have risen by 30%, meaning fish are practically swimming around blindfolded.

Sea temperatures are rising, reducing low-lying cloud coverage that reflects sunlight. Less reflection back into space means more heat gets trapped within our atmosphere. This is worsening climate change and dimming Earth’s natural brightness — so if the planet looks a little gloomier, it’s not just your mood. 

Thanks to longer spring seasons, plants are producing more pollen for extended periods. Between 1990 and 2018, pollen season increased by 21%. If you have allergies, climate change has made them worse. Better stock up on tissues!

Yes, you read that right. Humidity-loving bacteria are feasting on South American Chinchorro mummies, causing them to deteriorate and literally turn into black sludge. Even the dead aren’t safe from global warming.

Deforestation aside, some European forests are growing at accelerated rates due to increased carbon dioxide and longer warm seasons. Growth rates have increased by 70% in some areas, proving that climate change is great for paper companies… but not so great for the balance of ecosystems.

Laughing in the face of tragedy is nothing new — humans have been using comedy to cope with crises for centuries, and climate change is no exception. Studies show that laughter can actually help make people more receptive to serious discussions, so we might as well use humor to communicate the absurdity of the catastrophe we find ourselves in. Here at EARTHDAY.ORG, we invite you to integrate these bizarre facts into your climate advocacy. Who knows? Maybe more people will start paying attention. 

Failing that, sign up for some Earth Action Day Roundtable activities and make a difference!