The effects of climate change on the animal world

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Die Auswirkungen des Klimawandels sind weitreichend und betreffen zahlreiche Aspekte der Natur, darunter insbesondere die Tierwelt. Als Folge der Erderwärmung, die durch den Anstieg der Treibhausgasemissionen verursacht wird, sehen wir häufiger extreme Wetterereignisse, steigenden Meeresspiegel und schmelzende Gletscher. Dies verändert die natürlichen Lebensräume vieler Arten und zwingt Tiere, sich anzupassen oder zu migrieren – mit potenziell dramatischen Folgen für die globale Biodiversität. Veränderung der Lebensräume Erwärmung der Ozeane Ein Großteil der globalen Erderwärmung wird von den Ozeanen absorbiert, was zu einer Erwärmung der Meerestemperaturen führt. Viele Meerestiere, insbesondere Korallen, sind empfindlich gegenüber Temperaturveränderungen, und eine Erhöhung von nur wenigen Grad …
The effects of climate change on the animal world (Symbolbild/natur.wiki)

The effects of climate change are far -reaching and affect numerous aspects of nature, including especially the wildlife. As a result of global warming caused by the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, we see more often extreme weather events, rising sea levels and melting glaciers. This changes the natural habitats of many types and forces animals to adapt or migrate - with potentially dramatic consequences for global biodiversity.

change in habitats

Warming of the oceans

Much of global global warming is absorbed by the oceans, which leads to a heating of the sea temperatures. Many marine animals, especially corals, are sensitive to temperature changes, and an increase of only a few degrees can already lead to mass bleaching of coral reefs.

The coral bleaching means death for these vital marine ecosystems and the disappearance of numerous species that rely on these reefs. In addition, the warming of the oceans leads to a decline in the oxygen content in the water, which makes living conditions almost impossible for many fish species.

increasing sea level

Rising sea levels flood coastal habitats and thus affect numerous species, from seabirds to sea turtles to different types of mammals.

The increase in storm surges and the salt of wetlands and fresh water reserves also threaten the insects, birds and mammals that live in these habitats. In addition, species that live on islands are among the most threatened animals in connection with climate change because they have no way to escape or migration.

melting polar regions

In the polar regions, global global warming has led to a rapidly melting ice cream ceiling and rising temperatures, which threatens the survival of many species living there, including polar bears, penguins, whales and various bird species.

The effects of climate change on the animal world of the Arctic are particularly well documented. In the case of polar bears, for example, a decline in sea ice has significantly influenced its assets, including access to food and habitat quality.

Change of geographical distribution

In response to climate change, some types migrate to higher heights or cooler latitudes to find more suitable conditions. But not all types have the ability to shift in this way, and those who do it can encounter problems, such as the competition for resources with local species or the lack of suitable habitats or food sources in their new habitats.

arctic species

Types such as the arctic fox keep walking north to escape the rising temperatures, but are often in a race against the red foxes, which also immigrate into their territories and ensure increased competition.

alpine animals and plants

For many alpine animals and plants, the escape to larger heights is a strategy for adapting to rising temperatures. But even the highest peaks offer only limited space and the species are against the risk of local extermination when the temperature increases.

effects on mating and reproduction

Climate change also influences the reproductive cycles of many animal species. For some, global warming can lead to the reproduction times with the availability of food sources and suitable nesting places. For example,

birds can be stimulated to lay their eggs too early if the spring conditions change. This can lead to the chicks slipping before the essential food sources, such as insects and berries, are available.

loss of biodiversity

The biodiversity, the variety of species in a certain area, could be seriously threatened by climate change. These losses of biodiversity would inevitably influence other species, including people, by having an impact on the pollination of plants, the quality of the water and the fertility of the soils.

FAZIT

The effects of climate change on the animal world are diverse and extensive. From changed habitats to the influence of reproductive cycles, it is clear that effective measures have to be taken to limit global warming and to ensure the survival and well -being of all kinds. It is important that we protect our natural ecosystems and help to limit climate change by accepting and promoting sustainable practices.

sources:

  1. IPCC (2014): Climate change - synthesis report.
  2. WWF (2020): Threatened species - effects of climate change on the animal world.
  3. NASA (2018): Climate change and wild animals.
  4. UN-IPBES (2019): Report on biodiversity and ecosystem services.
  5. National Geographic (2018): Climate Change and Area.