How Are Animals Affected By Climate Change
Climate change is the most pressing environmental issue of our time. It has a wide range of implications for all living creatures, most notably animals. As temperatures rise, habitats are becoming unsuitable for many species, and animals are being forced to migrate in search of new homes. Additionally, the changing climate is affecting the availability and quality of food sources, leading to a decrease in the number of animals in certain areas.
Impact On Habitats
Animals are highly sensitive to their environment and climate change is altering habitats at an alarming rate. Rising sea levels are threatening the habitats of animals that live in coastal areas, such as polar bears and walruses. Warmer temperatures are also making it difficult for animals to survive in certain areas. For example, the mountain goat has been forced to migrate to higher altitudes due to the warming of its lower-altitude habitat.
Reduction In Food Sources
Climate change is also disrupting the availability and quality of food sources for animals. In areas where temperatures are rising, plants and trees are dying off at a rapid rate. This means that animals that rely on vegetation for food are struggling to find enough to eat. Additionally, rising temperatures are making it difficult for fish to survive in certain waters, leading to a decrease in their numbers.
Increased Risk Of Disease
As temperatures rise, animals are becoming more vulnerable to diseases and parasites. Warmer climates are allowing parasites to survive for longer periods of time, increasing the risk of infection for animals. Additionally, extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, can cause stress on animal populations, making them more susceptible to disease.
Conclusion
Climate change is having a devastating impact on the animal kingdom. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events are altering habitats and reducing the availability of food sources. Additionally, animals are becoming more vulnerable to disease and parasites due to the changing climate. It is essential that we take action to reduce the impacts of climate change to ensure that animals and ecosystems around the world remain healthy and balanced.
Kyle Whyte is a notable scholar and professor at the University of Michigan, holding positions such as the George Willis Pack Professor in the School for Environment and Sustainability and Professor of Philosophy. Specializing in environmental justice, his work critically examines climate policy and Indigenous peoples’ ethics, emphasizing the nexus between cooperative scientific endeavors and Indigenous justice. As an enrolled Citizen Potawatomi Nation member, he brings a vital perspective to his roles as a U.S. Science Envoy and member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. His influential research is supported by various prestigious organizations including the National Science Foundation, and disseminated through publications in high-impact journals. Kyle actively contributes to global Indigenous research methodologies and education, with affiliations to numerous institutes and societies dedicated to traditional knowledge and sustainability. Recognized for his academic and community engagement, Kyle has earned multiple awards and served in various visiting professorships. His efforts extend to leadership positions on boards and committees focused on environmental justice nationwide.