Global Warming And The Impact on Wildlife

When it comes to global warming, much of the focus is placed on how it can impact us, personally, and future generations to come.  As important as this is, it is also important to remember that global warming stretches far beyond human impact.  Wildlife will also be affected by global warming as well.  In fact, the affects of global warming on wildlife often have a direct relation to the human affects.

What we need to remember about global warming is that it is causing a slight rise in the earth’s temperatures.  Although scattered, many cities and towns on the ground are experiencing an increase in temperatures as well.  In fact, many record high temperatures are being shattered.  While this may leave us, humans, feeling hot, uncomfortable and wanting to spend all day in the pool, it is having an even bigger impact on wildlife.

For starters, it is important to examine polar bears.  In fact, when many individuals think of global warming and wildlife, polar bears are the first thought that comes to mind.  This is due in part to the media attention that is circulating them.  Many environmentalists and wildlife experts feel that polar bears will become extinct in certain areas of the world, due to melting ice.  This ice melting is directly related to the earth’s increase in temperatures.  Unfortunately, polar bears rely on ice shelves when hunting.  Many are unable to swim long distances without them.  If polar bears do not perish because of the extended swims, they will because of the lack of food in the area.

Birds are another form of wildlife that can be impacted greatly by global warming.  As our temperatures increase, birds are starting to change their migration paths.  These migration changes are expected to increase in numbers in the future.  While this may seem like an exciting prospect for birdwatchers, it can have negative consequences on the birds themselves.  Many birds, especially migratory birds, have a set pattern that they follow.  This pattern also depends on their ability to get food.  The changes in this pattern can lead to trouble for many migratory birds, who essentially travel too far as the weather misleads them.

Bird and polar bears are not the only forms of wildlife that will be affected by global warming.  Insects, mice, and other rodents will also change their habitats.  You will see that if the conditions are right, many will stay on the move.  Unfortunately for us, rodents and many insects, such as mosquitoes often bring diseases along with them.  Yes, many of these diseases are treatable, but it will take time to adjust.  In fact, a wide spread panic may ensue if area that was previously disease free starts to see changes.  In this aspect, global warming can cause harm to both humans and wildlife.

If you are an animal lover or if you value your health and the health of your future family members to come, you may want to take action.  In fact, that is why global warming is seeing an increase in media coverage, as many scientists and wildlife experts want you to take action.  A few of the many ways that you can help, not just wildlife, but the planet in general, is by reducing the carbon dioxide emissions that you release into the earth’s atmosphere, whether it comes from your home, car, or place of business.