According to the New York Times, an analysis that includes about 200 individual studies on the impacts of climate change on birds offers a potentially grim outcome. Using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's projection that Earth will see a warming on 6.3 degrees by 2100, the analysis estimates 600 to 900 species of land birds out of 8,500 total species could become extinct. Similarly, every additional increase of global warming another 100 to 500 bird species could disappear.
Here are some other ways in climate change is expected to impact certain species across the globe.
Loggerhead Sea Turtles
This gigantic sea turtle species, which migrates across the oceans for feeding and breeding, is especially susceptible to the results of average annual temperature increases, noted ENS. One of the main reasons the loggerhead turtle could be severely hurt by climate change is because incubation temperatures determine the sex of hatchlings, with warmer temperatures producing females. A 1 degree increase could wipe out the birth of any male turtles on some beaches. Discovery News added climate change impacts the ocean currents these turtles use for migration and that overall, climate is the biggest factor in sea turtle survival and will continue to be so over the next several decades.
Polar Bears
Polar bears have become the face of climate change and for good reason. Increasing temperatures are the No. 1 threat to polar bears, all 22,000 that still remain, according to New Scientist. A warming climate means a loss of summer sea ice in the Arctic region, which equals a loss of crucial habitat since the bears are not completely aquatic and also need ice to launch themselves for hunting. The BBC reported scientists are predicting polar bear reproduction will also drop and cub mortality will increase because the bears will have to fast over longer periods.
Coral Reefs
Numerous factors associated with climate change are likely to impact coral reefs in U.S. waters and around the world, noted a Pew Center Report. Warmer ocean temperatures will lead to an increase in the number of coral bleaching periods, a stress response that can be difficult for the reef to recover from. The changes in oceanic chemistry will also have an effect on inhibiting the growth of coral species. The negative impacts on coral reefs are extremely problematic because they serve as habitat for other key marine species and warming is associated with infectious disease outbreaks, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Rachel Bogart provides an in-depth look at current environmental issues and local Chicago news stories. As a college student from the Chicago suburbs pursuing two science degrees, she applies her knowledge and passion to both topics to garner further public awareness.
