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How Does Climate Change Affect Animals? Examining the Effects

How Does Climate Change Affect Animals? Examining the Effects

How Does Climate Change Affect Animals? As the Earth’s climate changes, we see a huge impact on animals. It leads to rising temperatures, changing migration routes, and loss of homes. There’s also the risk of new species invading. This affects ecosystems, threatening the lives of many animals in the United States¹.

Climate change is changing where and how animals live. Rising temperatures push plants and animals to higher places, about 36 feet higher each decade¹. The sea is also getting warmer, which changes where and when marine animals reproduce. This messes up the whole sea ecosystem¹².

These changes can be very bad. For example, polar bears are now seen as “threatened” because their icy homes are melting fast¹³. What’s worse, it affects more than just these bears. Changes in migration and the invasion of new species can mean big trouble for lots of animals in the food chain.

Impact of Rising Temperatures on Wildlife

The Earth’s temperatures are rising, and this imbalance harms wildlife and their homes⁴. The planet is now 1.1°C (2°F) warmer than in the 1800s. Global temperatures might rise by 2.7°C (4.8°F) by the end of the century⁴. Such changes strongly affect native species.

Rising Temperatures and Invasive Species

Warmer conditions help invasive species grow, pushing out native ones⁵. These invaders can bring diseases that are hard for locals to fight. This lowers biodiversity and hurts their chances of finding food⁵. The sudden appearance of non-native species is a big danger to local animals and plants.

Native Brook Trout at Risk

Look at the brook trout’s story in Catoctin Mountain Park for a clear picture⁶. More warmth means less brook trout and more brown trout. A 2017 report by the US Geological Survey showed that brook trout struggle to keep up⁶.

Climate change upsets the ecosystem’s balance, putting local species like brook trout in danger⁶. They can’t keep up with invaders that do well in new conditions⁶. This trend calls for quick action to save wildlife from the effects of warming.

Impact of Rising Temperatures on Wildlife	Percentage
Species facing extinction if action not taken	Up to 60%
Increase in carbon in plants, soils, and sediments where wild animals are present	15-250%
Threatened species sensitive to climate change effects	100% (except Oceanic Whitetip Shark)

Flooding and Loss of Habitats

Climate change is causing lots of floods, which is hurting wildlife a lot⁷. For example, sea levels are rising because of it. This puts animals like polar bears and walruses in places they can’t live in⁷. Sea turtles could lose their beaches with just a 50cm rise in sea level⁷.

These floods and dry spells are destroying where animals live. They can’t find food or water, so they die⁷. This affects many, like birds losing their nests in floods. It’s a big problem that’s getting worse because of climate change⁷.

Wildlife is not only facing floods but also long-term damage⁷. For instance, in Australia, wildfires in 2020 killed or moved 3 billion animals in a few months⁷. Flooding causes water to be dirty, hurting fish and other water animals⁷.

This dirty water messes up the food chain and hurts many species’ homes. Many animals depend on these healthy places to live⁷.

Habitat loss from floods is a big problem for wild animals. It leads to not enough food for them⁷. There’s also the issue of deforestation. This lessens the Earth’s ability to stop getting too warm⁷.

Overall, climate change’s flooding is very bad for wildlife⁷⁸⁹. It destroys homes and food sources, making it hard for these animals to survive. The problem is only getting worse, and we need to act quickly to protect our planet’s creatures.

Migratory Changes for Songbirds

Climate change is greatly affecting how songbirds migrate long distances. This includes the wood thrush, the official bird of Washington, DC¹⁰.

These birds journey each year from Central America to their northern breeding spots. But, rising temperatures are making them lose their living spaces. This makes them go even farther north¹⁰. Also, climate change is messing with the timing of ripe fruits and the insect amounts. These are what the wood thrush needs to fuel their trip¹⁰.

Wood Thrush Migration

The wood thrush shows us how climate change impacts birds that travel far away¹⁰. Studies confirm migratory bird species are showing up in North America two days earlier each decade, starting from the 1990s¹⁰. Experts at the National Audubon Society predict many North American birds won’t have enough good living spaces if it keeps getting warmer¹⁰.

The wood thrush’s struggle because of climate change is a big worry¹¹. Birds that go long distances are in more danger from climate change than those that don’t. Their set migration patterns make it hard for them to adjust to later fruiting times or fewer insects because of the warming climate¹¹.

Groups are working hard to help the wood thrush and other migrating birds¹⁰. They’re doing things like lowering other threats, reducing their own carbon impact, and fixing up their living spaces. These actions can help migratory birds deal with climate change. And keep their beautiful songs echoing in our forests for many years to come¹⁰.

Shrinking Habitats for Salmon

Climate change is heavily affecting salmon, a key fish in the US. They are sensitive to water temperatures. Due to warmer temperatures and less water, salmon can’t live in their usual spots¹².

For instance, the Chinook salmon in the Sacramento River can’t reproduce well because of high water temperatures. Sadly, about 95% of their young die because of warm water¹².

Research shows the Chinook salmon could lose half their river home by 2040. This is due to a 50% drop in water flow¹³. Over 60 years, streams have become drier and slower. This has led to a 23% loss in where salmon can lay their eggs¹³.

Less habitat means fewer salmon across the US West Coast. Efforts to fix this, like in the Columbia River Basin, have cost a lot. But, the impacts of climate change are happening faster than we can fix them¹². Defenders of Wildlife are working hard. They want to add ways to fight climate change into our plans for nature. Doing this means using less harmful energy and making more clean energy¹⁴.

Climate Change Impact	Effect on Salmon Habitat
Warmer water temperatures	Up to 95% of salmon eggs and fry killed in the Sacramento River
Reduced river discharge	Chinook salmon could lose nearly half their total habitat by 2040
Decreased summer stream flow	23% loss of spawning habitat for salmon over a 60-year period

The impacts of climate change on salmon are alarming. And they have big effects on the whole ecosystem. Salmon show us a lot about the changes happening in our environment. They are like a warning flag for other cold-water fish too, like trout. Defenders of Wildlife are making plans to help. They want to make sure these special fish survive for a long time¹⁴.

Animal Health Risks from Invasive Species

The earth’s climate is changing, and animals are moving to new places. This shift allows invasive species to take over new areas, harming native creatures¹⁵. These invaders can carry diseases that local animals can’t fight off. This lowers biodiversity and makes a hard time for animals seeking food and space¹⁵. Also, because of climate change, diseases that jump from animals to humans are becoming more common. More than half of these diseases have worsened due to the changing climate¹⁶.

Some invasive species spread quickly, which is a big worry. The Chinese tallow tree, for instance, went from South Carolina to Florida and then to Texas. This shows how fast these plants can take over new lands¹⁵.

In the Northeast region, plants like the Eurasian watermilfoil and the Japanese barberry are problematic. Long Island Sound faces threats from invaders such as the common periwinkle and mitten crabs. There are even some harmful types of red algae there¹⁶.

Stopping invasive species needs many actions. We must cut down on greenhouse gases to lessen climate change’s impact. But, building more green spaces and restoring natural habitats are also key.

These steps help protect local wildlife¹⁶. Groups like the National Association of Invasive Species Management (NAISMA) work hard to inform people. They also help in spotting, keeping an eye on, and stopping the spread of these intruders¹⁷.

The task of handling invasive species and climate change is tough. Yet, we have the power to defend our local wildlife. Knowing about the issues, aiding conservation actions, and changing how we do things with the environment can help. This way, we keep our planet’s diverse life healthy¹⁷¹⁵¹⁶.

Phenological Mismatches Disrupting Life Cycles

Climate change is shifting the timing of events like snowmelt, and plant starts. This throws off the schedules of local creatures in various ways. It can mess up ecosystems big time¹⁸¹⁹.

Example: Snowshoe Hare Color Change

Snowshoe hares changing color with the seasons is a classic example. They turn white to match snow but are putting off this change due to less snow. This makes them stand out more against their surroundings, making them easier meals for predators¹⁸.

Because of this, the hares’ ability to hide is going downhill, literally. This shows how a simple thing like changing colors late can have massive effects. It’s a good lesson on how climate change messes with nature’s balance¹⁸.

With the environment getting warmer, and rain and snow patterns shifting, many plants and animals are out of sync. This is bad news for the way different species depend on each other. Solving these timing issues is key to helping wildlife deal with climate change¹⁹.

The Frontiers 2022 report points out how urgent it is to tackle climate change and loss of biodiversity together. This approach is crucial for fighting off the big environmental problems we face today²⁰.

How Does Climate Change Affect Animals

Climate change is having a big impact on animals in the U.S. Some creatures can adapt quickly, but others find it hard to keep up²¹. This leads to changes in their travels, the timing of their activities, and how they interact with other animals⁸.

Many animals face problems because their homes and the surrounding areas are changing⁸. With rising temperatures and shifting rain patterns, they lose places to find food and safety. This can cause food shortages and more sickness, making life tough for them⁸.

Take the pika, for example, a small mammal from the Rocky Mountains²¹. As summers get drier, there is less grass for them, and they face colder winters with thinner snow²¹. These changes affect where they live, making it harder for them to stay warm²¹.
Animals like snowshoe hares and ermines change their fur color to hide from predators, with the help of sunlight, not just warmth²¹. But, if winters are shorter, they might not be able to adjust their colors in time, putting them at risk²¹.
Black bears might wake up early from hibernation, which can be risky if a cold snap hits²¹. Even animals like the Canada lynx, with its snow-adapted features, could struggle in a warmer world²¹.

Climate changes also throw off the balance in nature⁸. For example, droughts and shorter growing seasons can make food harder to find²¹. This affects the wellbeing and growth of many species. Mule deer, elk, and pronghorns need safe paths and places to eat in winter, but climate change endangers these areas²¹.

We must act fast to protect our wildlife from climate change’s harm. By learning how different animals are hit, we can design plans to help them thrive. This way, humans and animals can live together well in the future⁸.

Impacts on Migratory Birds

Climate change hugely affects migratory birds. It changes their migration paths and impacts the food they need along the way²². Birds must adjust to new weather quickly. If they can’t find food when they arrive, they might have to stop their journey²².

Warmer weather can hurt migrating birds too. Birds might get to their breeding spots too late for bugs. This means they lack the energy they need to move on²².

Timing Mismatches and Resource Scarcity

Climate change’s impact on birds is complex²³. More than half of bird species face problems due to climate change and severe weather²³. Those that fly shorter distances can deal better than long-distance travelers. The big issue is adapting to the changes in the places they stop²². Years of tracking these migrations inform our understanding. And laws like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act help keep them safe on their journeys²².

As the climate warms, some birds have nowhere to turn. Cities keep growing, but the birds’ habitats shrink. Having safe stopovers during migrations is key for birds. Yet, we’re losing those places to new roads and buildings²²²³.

Metric	Value
Bird species in Florida	More than 500²²
Migratory bird species impacted by climate change	Over 50%²³
Bird species projected to see habitat changes in refuges	Approximately 50% by 2050²⁴

The effects of climate change on birds are serious and pressing. Tackling these problems needs a mix of actions. This includes saving habitats, protecting stopover places, and studying how we can help birds adapt²³²⁴.

Mammals Facing Habitat Loss

Climate change is making habitats around the world less suitable for many mammals²⁵. Creatures like those in the Arctic and high mountains are especially affected. They face new challenges because of global warming. This includes hotter temperatures, different rainfall, and more wildfires.

Caribou, Polar Bears, and Others

Caribou and polar bears are losing their homes because of climate change²⁵. Caribou live in the tundra and forests of North America and Eurasia. But as things get warmer and snow patterns shift, finding food and safe space for babies is harder. Polar bears need Arctic sea ice to hunt, breed, and move. But the ice is melting quickly²⁶.

Other animals at risk include mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and pika²⁵. They live in high places and are also feeling the effects of a changing climate²⁶. These animals must adapt or they could disappear. Experts are watching their numbers closely. They’re trying to figure out how to help these precious species survive²⁵.

The struggles of caribou, polar bears, and others show the big impact of climate change²⁶. We need to do all we can to stop climate change. But saving these animals and their homes is just as important²⁷.

Amphibian Population Declines

About one-third of the world’s amphibians are facing extinction risks²⁸. They face unique challenges due to needing both land and water for their life cycles. The main threats to these creatures are climate change and loss of their habitats.

The mountain yellow-legged frog in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains is a clear example. It has vanished from most of its home, 70-90%, in the last few decades²⁸. The reasons include less snow in the mountains and reduced summer rain. This has dried up the ponds where these frogs live and breed.

Between 2004 and 2022, climate change increased the extinction risk for 39% of amphibian species. In the two decades prior, only 1% was affected this way²⁸.
Around 93% of endangered amphibians are losing their homes. This is due to things like farming, chopping trees, and building roads²⁸.
Since 1980, at least 37 amphibian species have disappeared²⁸.
Salamanders and newts are among the most at-risk amphibians²⁸.

Amphibians find it hard to keep up with quickly changing environments, worsened by habitat break-up²⁸. As the world gets warmer, amphibians might grow smaller. This is a way for them to survive, but it can be hard on them over time²⁹.

Preventing diseases and helping amphibians cope with climate change is crucial for their future²⁸. We need to act fast, investing more and creating better policies to help them thrive again²⁸.

Amphibians are key to keeping ecosystems healthy. They do this by eating bugs and being food for other animals. If their numbers keep dropping, it’s a signal our planet’s health is at risk. Solving the many problems amphibians face is a must to keep our environment in balance.

Marine Life Seeking New Habitats

The world’s oceans are changing. This affects where sea turtles, whales, and fish can live³⁰³¹. Ocean temperatures are warming. This, along with sea levels rising, changes where marine creatures can find their homes and food³¹.

Sea Turtles, Whales, and Fish Migrations

Sea turtles are in trouble. Erosion from stronger storms means less area for them to lay eggs³⁰. And, sea turtle egg gender can change with warmer sand. More warmth could mean fewer male turtles³⁰.

Just like sea turtles, whales are facing challenges. They rely on steady migration paths. But, the unpredictability of ice patterns and needing to dive deeper for food make things hard for them³².

Our fish friends are moving, too. They’re searching for cooler waters as ocean temps rise. A scary fact: fishery yields could drop 4% per each degree of warming³¹. However, changes will show differently in various places. The tropics might lose half of their current fish catch possibilities by 2100. Yet, polar regions might catch more³¹.

The big picture is about marine life moving because of climate change. This brings huge challenges for keeping ocean life safe and well³¹³². We must protect the homes and travel paths of creatures like sea turtles and whales more than ever³².

Impact	Percentage
Limit global warming to 1.5°C can reduce risks to marine ecosystems	³¹
Decrease in total future fishery yields per degree Celsius warming	~4%³¹
Potential loss of catch levels in tropical regions by end of century	up to 50%³¹
American marine mammal species vulnerable to climate change threats	Over 70%³²
Marine mammal stocks in western North Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea highly or very highly vulnerable	72%³²

³⁰³¹³²

Conclusion

Climate change is greatly impacting wildlife all over the United States. Migratory birds, Arctic animals, and sea life are all facing challenges. Their habitats are changing and, in some cases, disappearing. Many species find it hard to keep up with the quick shifts happening³³. Research shows that warming and acidification of oceans may affect 100% of fish and invertebrates. This is more serious than we thought before³³.

If we don’t act soon to cut down on greenhouse gases and aid wildlife, things will get worse. The IPCC warns that 20-30% of plants and animals could go extinct by the century’s end. This is if we don’t control the rising temperatures³⁴. Also, the rates of species disappearing could be faster than what we’ve seen in the past³⁴.

But there’s a bright side. We can make a difference by working together. Protecting forests, wetlands, and farms can help reduce emissions by 1/3 before 2030. This will help keep our planet from getting more than 2°C warmer³⁵. As for us, we can support saving wildlife by cutting down our own emissions. Planting native gardens and keeping our water clean are also big helps. If everyone comes together, we can make sure our wildlife and ecosystems flourish for years to come.