A Guide: How Climate Change Affects Wildlife Species

Climate change affects animal species in many ways. From habitat loss, droughts, warmer temperatures, rising sea levels to flooding, native wildlife is struggling.

Global warming and climate change can lead to diseases, extinction and conflict between animals and humans.

What is Climate Change?

Climate change is defined as the long term shift in temperature and weather patterns. It can be natural shirts (like changes in the sun's activity) but it is mostly down to humans.

Since the 1800s, the world's temperature has increased by 1.1°C, and since then we have been the main driver of climate change. It is mainly down to burning fossil fuels, which are known to generate greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, these gases act as a sort of blanket around the earth and they trap all of the sun's heat in.

Shifting Habitats

As global temperatures rise, many animal species are being forced to migrate to new habitats in search of cooler climates, suitable food sources, and better living conditions.

A warmer climate, changing rain patterns, and extreme weather events are making traditional habitats less viable for many species. Some animals affected move to escape unbearable heat, while others relocate because their primary food sources are disappearing.

Species at Risk from Rising Temperatures

African Elephants

These large herbivores depend on vast water sources and abundant vegetation. However, prolonged droughts and habitat destruction are forcing them to venture into new territories, leading to increased human wildlife conflict.

Birds

Bird species across the world are shifting their routes and breeding grounds, mainly due to the climate crisis and changing seasonal patterns. Native species are arriving at breeding grounds too early, this is negative as it might mean there is less food.

Marine Life

Warmer ocean temperatures are pushing species such as fish, whales, and sea turtles toward cooler waters. For instance, some fish populations are migrating toward the poles, disrupting traditional fishing industries and food chains.

Disrupted Migration and Breeding Patterns

In the UK, warmer temperatures disrupt natural cycles for many bird species, and it affects migration and breeding patterns. 

Swallows and Warblers have been seen to be arriving earlier in the winter due to milder winters. This is bad because their primary food source, insects, are not yet abundant, and this can lead to shortages.

Species like Great Tits and Blue Tits are laying eggs earlier in the season, this is because of the warmer weather. If caterpillar populations (main food source) don't peak at the same time, chick survival rates can plummet. 

Extreme Weather Events

These extreme events are down to climate change, making them more intense and frequent. 

More rain and severe storms is leading to flooding, and this destroys natural habitats and displaces local wildlife. Wetland species (Water Voles and Amphibians) are particularly vulnerable. 

Dry spells are becoming more common and this reduction in water availability is not good for wildlife. Animals that rely on freshwater habitats are also being affected as they dry up, and the balance of aquatic ecosystems is being impacted. 

Stronger storms and high winds can destroy bird nesting sites, leading to lower reproduction rates. Coastal birds, such as puffins and terns, are particularly at risk from storm surges eroding their breeding grounds.

Conservation Efforts

The UK has launched several conservation efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change on wildlife and habitats.

One of the key strategies is habitat restoration and rewilding. Projects such as the Knepp Wildland Project in West Sussex and Cairngorms Connect in Scotland focus on restoring natural ecosystems, allowing wildlife to thrive. Wetland restoration initiatives like the Great Fen Project aim to rehabilitate habitats for species such as water voles and bitterns.

Another crucial effort is protecting endangered species. Programs targeting Red Squirrels, Pine Martens, and White-tailed Eagles help revive native populations and reduce the threat from invasive species.

Marine conservation is also a priority, with Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) designated around the UK to protect marine biodiversity. Seagrass restoration projects, such as Project Seagrass, focus on reviving underwater meadows that act as carbon sinks and habitats for marine life. Additionally, conservation efforts are in place to protect species like basking sharks, which are affected by climate change in UK waters.

Addressing the problem of invasive species, UK conservationists are working to control the spread of non-native species like the Asian hornet, which threatens bee populations. Initiatives also target invasive plant species such as Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam, which outcompete native flora and disrupt ecosystems.