Global warming continues to be a major concern across the world, with its impacts reverberating throughout all forms of natural life. Increasing temperature, changes in atmospheric conditions and rising sea levels have a drastic and compounding effect on species across the planet, with certain creatures more at risk of extinction than ever before. In this article, we will explore which species of wildlife are threatened by global warming, and how a combined effort may be needed to secure their future.
At the top of the list of threatened species is arguably, the polar bear. As temperatures rise, the polar ice caps are slowly melting away, depriving polar bears of the habitat they need to survive. An estimated 22,000 polar bears live across the arctic, and of them, 20%-50% are predicted to be extinct by the end of the century due to global warming. As the main source of their food, sea ice, continues to diminish, polar bears are left even more disenfranchised and at further risk of endangerment.
Similarly, sea turtles are among the species of wildlife most vulnerable to global warming. Sea turtles take part in a delicate interdependent relationship with the ocean’s temperature, and with rising temperatures, the entire food chain is thrown into disarray. The hatchlings in particular, suffer the most, as any change in the ocean temperature can lead to the sex of the hatchlings being affected. With more than seven species of sea turtles already considered endangered, action needs to be taken immediately to attempt to reverse climate change and safeguard the future of sea turtles.
In addition to these species, bat populations throughout the world are likely to be drastically impacted by climate change. In the UK alone, it is estimated that over seven million bats are at risk of extinction due to temperature change, drought and other extreme weather conditions. Extreme weather can reduce feeding opportunities, shrink habitat spaces and lead to a rapid decline in overall bat populations. As bats are integral components of the environment’s ecobalance and pollinators of plants, their severe reduction in numbers could have potentially catastrophic consequences.
Fortunately, there are steps we can take to help these species of wildlife. Communiection is the key to success in preserving the natural world, with governmental and environmental organisations, such as the World Wildlife Fund, uniting to raise awareness to combat climate change and protect endangered species. Embracing renewable energies, such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power, and reducing our dependence on non-renewable fuels is also imperative if we are to combat global warming and preserve the planet for future generations.
In conclusion, global warming unquestionably poses a very real threat to many of the planet’s species of wildlife. A strong understanding of the gravity of the situation is required for us to take concerted action, in order to reduce the threat of extinction for polar bears, sea turtles and bats. The situation is dire, and still rapidly deteriorating, and so the time to act is now.