As the globe warms due to climate change, the impacts are being felt across the animal kingdom. With habitats shifting, resources disappearing, and temperatures rising, wildlife populations around the world are facing an uncertain future. Despite a lack of detailed data, scientists have identified multiple species that are particularly vulnerable to the effects of global warming.
At the top of the list are cold-blooded species, such as amphibians, reptiles, and fish. As the Earth’s temperature increases, so too do the temperatures of these species’ habitats, which can render them unable to survive. For instance, a study published in Science found that climate change could cause an estimated 40 percent of amphibian species to be threatened with extinction by 2050. A paper in Global Change Biology suggested that as temperatures rise, species like the Adelie penguin, loggerhead turtle, and Mediterranean monk seal may also suffer severe declines.
In the oceans, the situation is just as dire for many species. According to a 2017 article in Scientific American, global warming is affecting coral bleaching, which is when corals expel the algae living inside them and die in the process. The article goes on to note that a combination of high ocean temperatures and acidification due to increased carbon emissions makes the survival of many coral species uncertain. This has major implications for the wider ocean ecosystem, as coral serves as a valuable habitat for many species.
Terrestrial animals are also feeling the effects of global warming as their habitats and food sources vanish. Arctic foxes, for example, are losing their home as glaciers and sea ice retreat. Hawaii’s endangered honeycreepers, meanwhile, are at risk due to the increasing spread of avian diseases, which thrive in hotter, wetter conditions. In addition, the impact of increased wildfires across the United States has been devastating for numerous species, including felines like pumas and wildcats.
The impacts of global warming are already being felt by wildlife across the planet, and the stakes are only becoming higher. By increasing efforts to reduce carbon emissions and protect species’ habitats, we can help ensure that future generations of animals are able to survive and thrive. To this end, more research must be conducted to better understand the full extent and consequences of climate change on wildlife, so that we can take the necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of species around the world.
