The effects of climate change on wildlife

The effects of climate change on wildlife

The impacts of climate change are far-reaching and affect many aspects of nature, particularly wildlife. As a result of global warming caused by increases in greenhouse gas emissions, we are seeing more extreme weather events, rising sea levels and melting glaciers. This is changing the natural habitats of many species and forcing animals to adapt or migrate - with potentially dramatic consequences for global biodiversity.

Change in habitats

Warming of the oceans

Much of global warming is absorbed by the oceans, leading to warming sea temperatures. Many marine animals, especially corals, are sensitive to changes in temperature, and an increase of just a few degrees can cause mass bleaching of coral reefs.

Coral bleaching means death for these vital marine ecosystems and the disappearance of many species that rely on these reefs. In addition, warming oceans are leading to a decrease in oxygen levels in the water, making living conditions almost impossible for many fish species.

Rising sea levels

Rising sea levels are inundating coastal habitats, affecting numerous species, from seabirds to sea turtles to various species of mammals.

Increased storm surges and salinization of wetlands and freshwater 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 related to climate change because they have no opportunity to escape or migrate.

Melting polar regions

In the polar regions, global warming has led to rapidly melting ice sheets and rising temperatures, threatening the survival of many species that live there, including polar bears, penguins, whales and various bird species.

The effects of climate change on Arctic wildlife are particularly well documented. For polar bears, for example, a decline in sea ice has significantly affected their assets, including access to food and habitat quality.

Change in geographical distribution

Some species are migrating to higher altitudes or cooler latitudes to find more suitable conditions in response to climate change. However, not all species have the ability to relocate in this way, and those that do may encounter problems such as competition for resources with local species or the lack of suitable habitat or food sources in their new habitats.

Arctic species

Species like the arctic fox are migrating further north to escape rising temperatures, but often find themselves in a race against red foxes, which are also migrating into their territories and creating increased competition.

Alpine animals and plants

For many alpine animals and plants, escaping to higher altitudes is a strategy to adapt to rising temperatures. But even the highest peaks offer limited space and species face the risk of local extinction as temperatures rise.

Effects on mating and reproduction

Climate change also affects the reproductive cycles of many animal species. For some, global warming may cause breeding times to mismatch with the availability of food sources and suitable nesting sites.

For example, birds can be encouraged to lay their eggs too early when spring conditions change. This can cause the chicks to hatch before essential food sources, such as insects and berries, are available.

Loss of biodiversity

Biodiversity, the variety of species in a given area, could be seriously threatened by climate change. These losses in biodiversity would inevitably affect other species, including humans, by affecting plant pollination, water quality and soil fertility.

Conclusion

The impacts of climate change on wildlife are diverse and far-reaching. From changing habitats to influencing reproductive cycles, it is clear that effective action must be taken to limit global warming and ensure the survival and well-being of all species. It is important that we protect our natural ecosystems and help limit climate change by adopting and promoting sustainable practices.

Sources:

1. IPCC (2014): Klimawandel – Synthesebericht.
2. WWF (2020): Bedrohte Arten – Auswirkungen des Klimawandels auf die Tierwelt.
3. NASA (2018): Klimawandel und Wildtiere.
4. UN-IPBES (2019): Bericht über Biodiversität und Ökosystemdienstleistungen.
5. National Geographic (2018): Klimawandel und Tierwelt.