Global Warming And The Impact on Wildlife

When it comes to global warming, much of the focus is placed on how it can impact us, personally, and future generations to come.  As important as this is, it is also important to remember that global warming stretches far beyond human impact.  Wildlife will also be affected by global warming as well.  In fact, the affects of global warming on wildlife often have a direct relation to the human affects.

What we need to remember about global warming is that it is causing a slight rise in the earth’s temperatures.  Although scattered, many cities and towns on the ground are experiencing an increase in temperatures as well.  

In fact, many record high temperatures are being shattered.  While this may leave us, humans, feeling hot, uncomfortable and wanting to spend all day in the pool, it is having an even bigger impact on wildlife.

Also read: What is Global Warming?

For starters, it is important to examine polar bears.  In fact, when many individuals think of global warming and wildlife, polar bears are the first thought that comes to mind.  This is due in part to the media attention that is circulating them.  

Many environmentalists and wildlife experts feel that polar bears will become extinct in certain areas of the world, due to melting ice.  This ice melting is directly related to the earth’s increase in temperatures.  Unfortunately, polar bears rely on ice shelves when hunting.  Many are unable to swim long distances without them.  If polar bears do not perish because of the extended swims, they will because of the lack of food in the area.

Birds are another form of wildlife that can be impacted greatly by global warming.  As our temperatures increase, birds are starting to change their migration paths.  These migration changes are expected to increase in numbers in the future.  

While this may seem like an exciting prospect for birdwatchers, it can have negative consequences on the birds themselves.  Many birds, especially migratory birds, have a set pattern that they follow.  This pattern also depends on their ability to get food.  The changes in this pattern can lead to trouble for many migratory birds, who essentially travel too far as the weather misleads them.

Also read: How Agriculture Is Affected By Global Warming

Bird and polar bears are not the only forms of wildlife that will be affected by global warming.  Insects, mice, and other rodents will also change their habitats.  You will see that if the conditions are right, many will stay on the move.  

Unfortunately for us, rodents and many insects, such as mosquitoes often bring diseases along with them.  Yes, many of these diseases are treatable, but it will take time to adjust. In fact, a wide spread panic may ensue if area that was previously disease free starts to see changes. In this aspect, global warming can cause harm to both humans and wildlife.

If you are an animal lover or if you value your health and the health of your future family members to come, you may want to take action.  In fact, that is why global warming is seeing an increase in media coverage, as many scientists and wildlife experts want you to take action.  

A few of the many ways that you can help, not just wildlife, but the planet in general, is by reducing the carbon dioxide emissions that you release into the earth’s atmosphere, whether it comes from your home, car, or place of business.

Can It Be Stopped?

If you are familiar with global warming, you are also likely familiar with the debate that surrounds it. Although many individuals claim that global warming is nothing more than a myth or even a scam used to raise money for environmental issues, it isn’t too hard to see that the earth is changing.

As previously stated, the earth is changing.  Although these changes are small, many notice them.  We have noticed a change in the weather pattern, which includes stronger storms, as well as varying temperatures.  

We have also noticed a change in icecaps and glaciers, as many are melting at quicker rates than originally anticipated.  Unfortunately, if global warming continues as many experts predict it will, the changes that we notice will increase in intensity and many will be life changing experiences.

When it comes to global warming and its affects, one of the most commonly asked questions surrounds prevention.  Many wonder if global warming can be stopped or if there are at least ways that we can lessen its impact. This issue is also one that has been widely debated.  

Many of the experts who oppose global warming, claim that the rise in the earth’s temperatures is nothing unexpected.  Many attribute it to normal pattern.  For that reason, there are many who believe that there is nothing that we can do to stop or lessen the impact of global warming, as the changes that we are seeing are ones that may have occurred no matter what.

Even as the debate continues on, we still have to take a look at the changes the earth is seeing, even if it isn’t related to global warming.  Glaciers and icecaps in the north are melting at a small, but still high rate of speed.

Although this melting was predicted and has been anticipated for years now, things are moving along a little bit faster than anticipated. This brings more support to the theory of global warming.  So whether you believe in global warming or not, you may still be interested in doing what you can to help stop the changes our planet is seeing.

One of the many ways that humans can help stop global warming or at least many of the changes we are seeing with our planet is by taking a close look at our homes.  You may be surprised how much carbon dioxide the average home emits.  Simply by ensuring that all light and appliances are turned off when not in use can do wonders for the environment and possibly global warming.  

In keeping with electricity use in our homes, energy efficient appliances and simply energy efficient light bulbs can help to lessen the carbon dioxide emissions from most homes. In fact, did you know that energy efficient appliances and light bulbs can also save you money?

Another one of the many ways that we can help to stop global warming or at least the changes on our planet that are staring to take hold is by looking at our vehicle uses.  Another big contributor of carbon dioxide is the vehicles that we drive.  Energy efficient vehicles are affordable, they can save you money over time, and they can also help the environment.  

Even if you cannot afford a new energy efficient vehicle, there are still steps that you can take to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions for your vehicle.  These steps including taking public transportation or carpooling as much as possible, changing your car’s air filter on a monthly basis, as well as making sure your car tires are properly inflated.

As previously stated, it is hard to know the impact that the above mentioned steps will have on global warming and our planet.  

Even if global warming is not an issue that you believe in, it is important to remember that many of the global warming prevention steps outlined above are ones that will do good for the environment anyways.

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