Without effective programs to reduce fossil fuel emission, rising temperatures may diminish food supplies and alter habitat ranges for many species, some of which may be unable to adapt quickly enough to survive. In fact, a host of climate impacts has already been observed in wildlife and habitats ranging from coral reefs to Atlantic estuaries. The result is the disappearance of sea ice that has diminished the habitat suitable for polar bears in the Arctic and for Adelie penguins in the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula. Wetlands and wildlife are threatened by accelerated rise in sea levels in over half of the critical coastal wetlands worldwide. Also, the dramatic disappearance of 20 to 50 frog and toad species from a 12 square mile area in Costa Rica's Monteverde cloud forest has raised concern.
Coral reefs support a multitude of marine species and are highly sensitive to changing temperatures.
Migratory birds rely on relatively stable weather patterns and the availability of food sites and resources along the way. Sea level rise and changing patterns of the seasons could threaten prime feeding and breeding grounds for millions of birds throughout the world. Impacts like these are not conjectural. From the Arctic to the tropics, researchers are finding clear links between climate change and wildlife loss. For some suggestions on how individuals can take action, look for the handout in the Docent Room.