Multitude of Species Face Climate Threat

The issue that is being presented in this article refers to global warming and the effects that it has on various species. Many species have been negatively impacted by not just global warming by human society as it can prove to be a roadblock for migrating animals. The decline of species is so rapidly occurring at such a high rate that some scientists are saying that humans have helped to begin the sixth mass extinction. Although this extinction may not take full effect while any current living humans are alive, we will see the effects in dwindling numbers of species. Many animals are having a difficult time finding food due to the effects of global warming. Often times, like the polar bear, the normal source of food is scarce and species are now finding food in other areas, which is causing dwindling numbers in that species as well. Eventually, global warming will create areas that are simply too hot to sustain the normal life that resides there.

This issue relates to class because not only have we discussed some of the impacts that climate change is having on our environment but we have also discussed the effects that it is having on certain species. Some animals will have a difficult time having young reach an age that they are old enough to reproduce. The human impact that we have directly is severe as well, which we have also discussed in class. While global warming is a very serious problem, humans are also doing things that are directly related to the decrease in certain species. For example, we mentioned in class that the side effects of certain chemicals can create thinner shells for birds which do not allow the young to hatch and develop completely.

Humans frequently underestimate the impacts that they have on the environment. The excuses people use for not changing activities or behaviors that are destroying species and the environment are frequently based on selfish or economic reasons. Although it may not be most economically beneficial to stop producing greenhouse gases through the burning of oil, it will however allow humans to slow the impact of global warming. Although it cannot be stopped and the effects are just starting to show in recent decades, changes in behavior can limit the amount of devastation that future generations and species face.

Zimmer, Carl. “Multitude of Species Face Climate Threat”, The New York Times. April 4, 2011. Accessed April 4, 2011.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/05/science/earth/05climate.html?_r=1&pagewanted=1&ref=earth