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EPIB Trail
Volume 5, Issue 5
A New Global Takeover By: Paige Buzard
A new case study by the National Wildlife Federation, “Wildlife in a Warming World: Confronting the Climate Crisis”, illustrates the role global warming has had in altering wildlife habitats. The study brings attention to the global climate-originating issues such as “extreme weather, sea level rise, and wildfires.” National Wildlife Federation scientist, Dr. Amanda Staudt says, “Some of America’s most iconic species—from moose to sandhill, cranes to sea turtles—are seeing their homes transformed by rapid climate change.” Plant and wildlife species are shifting their entire ranges to colder regions. As these native species move out of their original habitats, it leaves open niches for invasive species of animals and plants that can adapt to the changes caused by global warming. One major change that has ensued is the migration of plant species northward, and the annexation of ecological niches by invasive species. Growing average temperatures and changes in rain and snow patterns allow for invasive plant species like garlic mustard, kudzu, and purple loosestrife to move into new areas. These invasive species outcompete and choke out native-growing plants by adapting to the new temperatures and climate better than the species that should be growing. The changing climate alters the range of bird species northward. As climates warm, birds find suitable habitats in regions that were once too cool to sustain them. In a study of 305 North American bird species done by the NWF, 117 of those species have expanded their range by 35 miles north in the past 40 years.Alaska alone has warmed about twice as much as the continental United States. This has damaged the Artic permafrost and many of the unique polar habitats. Artic habitats are not the only ones that are threatened by the changing climate. Pine trees in the Rocky Mountains are being harmed by beetle infestations because warming temperatures at higher latitudes are allowing the beetles to spread north. Larry Schweiger, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation says that, “we need the political leadership to make smart energy choices and wise investments in protecting our natural resources.”In President Barack Obama’s January 21 inaugural address he discussed the priority of climate change: “We will respond to the threat of climate change knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations… That is how we will maintain our economic vitality and our national treasure—our forests and waterways; our croplands and snow-capped peaks.” In hope, President Obama’s promise to the American people will be fulfilled to protect American habitats and wildlife for generations to come. References: http://www.nwf.org/News-and-Magazines/Media-Center/Reports/Archive/2013/01-30-13-Wildlife-In-A-WarmingWorld.aspx http://www.nwf.org/~/media/PDFs/Global-Warming/Reports/NWF_Wildlife-Warming-World_Report_web.ashx
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