“What is happening to all of the species in the world [as a consequence of climate change]?

-by Sarah Manning

The environment, in number of ways, influences the world’s species. The world’s species depend on the environment for food, water and shelter; if changes occur to the environment the species must adapt. When species are unable to adapt problems occur and the species begins to suffer. The species may eventually become endangered, which can ultimately lead to extinction. There are approximately 1.7 million known species of organisms in the world. Although, this number can be miss leading because it only includes the named species and many people believe there are far more species that have yet to be identified. It has been estimated that the total number of species is between 4 to over 20 million (MacDonald, 2003).
For the purpose of answering this question, climate change should be understood as “any long-term significant change in the weather patterns of an area. Climate change can be natural or caused by changes people have made to the land or atmosphere” (dictionary.com).
There have been many studies carried out that attempt to predict the possible outcomes of changes to the environment and how the world’s species will cope. One study suggests, "the midrange estimate is that 24 percent of plants and animals will be committed to extinction by 2050" (Warming to Extinction). The same study also found that, “15-37 percent of species sampled in the regions could be driven extinct as a result of their inability to adapt to the climate change that is likely to occur between now and 2050” (Warming to Extinction). If these predictions come true we would lose more than a quarter of the world’s species, which would consequently be many thousands of species.
Habitat loss seems to be the area of most concern when discussing the influences of climate change and its affects on the world’s species. “It is believed that at present, habitat loss is the single most important threat to a majority of imperiled or endangered species, Habitat loss combined with the effects of climate change could therefore be devastating”, according to the authors of another study (Warming to Extinction). If habitat is lost species must relocate or alter their lifestyle in order to survive. It takes time for a species to relocate and evolve, so the rate at which climate change is occurring is important to keep in mind. The faster the rate of change, the more species will be lost.
There are many countries attempting to battle the loss of indigenous species and Canada can be included in this category. “To date, 345 species including plants, molluscs, arthropods, birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals are protected under SARA [Species at Risk Act]. The purposes of the Act are to prevent Canadian indigenous species, subspecies, and distinct populations from becoming extirpated or extinct, to provide for the recovery of endangered or threatened species and encourage the management of other species to prevent them from becoming at risk” (Environment Canada). Climate change is not the only factor causing problems for Canadian species but it is included on the list of possible causes. Climate change can result in habitat loss and changes in natural events, so it is necessary to track. It is important for governments to protect the species that are under threat in their country so the species has a better chance of survival. Protection from human activity, such as habitat destruction and hunting, can help stabilize a population that is being altered by climate change.
This is only the beginning of this immense subject and there is a lot of information pertaining to this topic. It is important to look at both sides of the story when researching a topic like the question presented above. There are a variety of opinions and ideas about what will happen if climate change keeps occurring at its current rate. It is almost certain that climate change will have some affect on the world’s species; it is just not certain to what degree the damage will be.




References:

- Warming to Extinction. Environment, 00139157, Mar2004, Vol. 46, Issue 2 Heldref Publications (IUCN-The World Conservation Union press release 8 January; BBC News reports, 4 December 2003 and 7 January; and The Washington Post, 8 January. (D.H.))

- Environment Canada (2005, August 11). Envirozine, Issue 56. Retrieved March 8, 2008, from
http://www.ec.gc.ca/EnviroZine/english/issues/56/feature2_e.cfm

- MacDonald, Glen M. (2003). Biogeography Space, Time, and Life. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

- www.dictionary.com