The effects of climate change on wildlife 

In recent times, there have been serious, long-lasting effects of climate change on the natural habitats and ecosystems of various animal species – some of which include disrupted ecosystems which threaten the survival of many species around the world. Severe changes in temperature, new precipitation patterns, and extreme weather conditions force animals to adapt to new, unpredictable conditions. Some species are able to adapt to these changes, while others unfortunately perish. 

The loss of habitats is one of the most intense impacts of climate change. As temperatures are continuing to rise, sea ice and glaciers are melting at a faster and increased rate, leading to sea levels rising. Therefore, this reduces the amount of land available for animals. A notable fact is that even a small increase in sea levels can have devastating effects. Moreover, changes in rainfall patterns are causing droughts, wildfires and severe floods, which reduces habitat availability even more. As a result, animals are forced to find and move to new areas, or they become helpless- leading to extinction. 

It’s fascinating to see how animals evolve in response to changing ecosystems. Scientists have discovered that some species are starting to develop lighter coloured fur or feathers to reflect light and keep themselves cool in high temperatures, while others are growing bigger bodies or longer beaks to adapt to shifting food sources. Unfortunately, some species aren’t able to keep up with these changes, and natural selection comes and often leads to their extinction. All in all, environmental shifts are having a major impact on wildlife that will be felt for many years to come. 

An example of when we have demonstrated our efforts into pursuing betterment in climate change was during our trip to Expo, where we were assigned as ‘Climate Ambassadors’- with a motive to reduce food insecurity in various countries across the globe- due to climate change. We had to tackle this by first identifying the problem, and then coming up with and forming solutions to these problems. Our efforts aimed to mitigate the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities across the globe. 

To conclude, we can infer that global warming is putting tremendous pressure on the animal kingdom, and we’re already witnessing the destructive consequences. Some animals are perishing, while others are finding different ways to adapt to these unseen conditions. It’s crucial that we take the necessary measures to protect our precious wildlife while also working to reduce carbon emissions and lessen the effects of climate change.