Climate change impacts the planet. It impacts us. It even impacts the innocent animals forced to endure the consequences of our actions. From moose and polar bears, to sea turtles and birds, it is clear to see that the rising temperatures are affecting life around the world.
Moose are usually found in the northern United States and Canada. Now that we are experiencing warmer winters, the moose population has been forced to move even farther north, where parasites live. These parasites, generally called winter ticks, thrive in the warmer conditions. They feed on moose’s blood, weakening their immune system and even causing death.
Polar bears have become the symbol of animals affected by climate change. According to doi.gov, polar bears were listed as a threatened species in 2018 (9 Animals). The main reason their population is declining is because of habitat loss. In this case, their habitat is the ice, and it is melting due to warming temperatures in the Arctic. Polar bears use the masses of ice to move across the vast ranges and hunt for food. When the ice melts, travel is obviously more difficult and food becomes scarce.
When nesting, sea turtles look to beaches to protect their eggs. These nesting sites are especially vulnerable to the rising of sea-levels. Weather and the increase of temperature also impact the condition of these beaches. In turn, sea turtles are losing their nesting beaches and are unable to lay their eggs.
On top of this, the climate change is impacting birds’flight patterns. The climate has shifted, making the seasons come at different times. This is causing the birds to migrate sooner or sometimes even later than they should.
The lives of animals are in danger due to the effects of climate change. It is time to act now before more species become endangered, or even extinct.
“9 Animals That Are Feeling the Impacts of Climate Change.” U.S. Department of the Interior, 18 Dec. 2018, www.doi.gov/blog/9-animals-are-feeling-impacts-climate-change
Photo:
Cristina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen, nationalgeographic.com
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