Anthropogenic climate change is an alarming threat that endangers the stability of our planet’s ecosystems. There is evidence to suggest that global warming is affecting a multitude of species and having detrimental impacts upon biodiversity. From migratory birds to polar bears, this article will identify some of the species that are most at risk of population declines due to climatic shifts.
The howling winds of the Arctic and Antarctic are increasingly being interrupted by the droning engines of freight ships, driven by the urgent desires of industries that want to extract the riches embedded in the ice. This growing pressure from human activities is far from harmless, and has direct implications for the species that rely on icy waters for sustenance. Polar bears, for example, are threatened by melting habitats and, as such, struggle to find breeding and hunting grounds. This struggle does not exist in isolation; the consequences of climate change have led to changes in the behavior of all marine creatures, especially those that rely on the regular seasonal patterns of plant life. For instance, changes in water temperatures have been devastating for species such as the Atlantic cod off the coast of Canada, once prized but now disappearing.
Another species that is particularly vulnerable to climate change is the honeybee. As temperatures rise, US honey production declined drastically between 2015 and 2018, as noted by a new research initiative conducted at the University of California, Davis. Furthermore, the same study recorded a decrease in commercial honeybee populations, noting how the honeybee has become an icon of global warming. Although the reduction in colonies is alarming, there have been positive contributions to honey production, most notably the use of high-altitude bees located above six thousand feet, and the introduction of innovative artificial intelligence monitoring systems.
When tackling the adverse effects of global warming, it is essential to adopt an intersectional approach that acknowledges the connection between climate change and human communities. Arid and semi-arid regions are home to a plethora of vulnerable species that are increasingly exposed to a hostile environment, due to the accelerated desertification caused by climate change. In South America, for instance, the giant armadillo is retreating northwards as a result of the rapidly-shifting rain and drought patterns that are fast-becoming the new normal. This species is integral to the biodiverse Pantanal; its protection is vital for the preservation of this irreplaceable ecosystem, and indeed for the livelihoods of the local communities that depend on it for their subsistence.
Global warming has already left its mark upon our planet, with long-term consequences on a broad spectrum of species. From the Antarctic to Central America, species are feeling the pressure of climate change, and the sheer complexity of its effects means that creative and innovative solutions are required. We must find a balance between conservation and economic prosperity, by using sustainable development goals developed in conjunction with local communities. If we are to protect the species that are at risk of extinction, we must invest our time, energy, and resources into understanding, preserving and celebrating the importance of our planet’s biodiversity.
Citing concrete examples, this article has argued that there are a multitude of species under threat due to global warming. The polar bear, honeybee, and giant armadillo are prime examples of species that are endangered by temperature fluctuations and other climatic shifts. As such, we must join forces with vulnerable communities to create a future of ecological security.
