Hunting and habitat destruction are the usual suspects for the extinction of animal species at human hands. These are well recognised issues and many organisations work hard to protect endangered species from these threats, however, climate change will bring about a whole new wave of problems.
Images of polar bears stranded on ever-shrinking ice sheets have become common-place in media campaigns raising awareness of climate change. It is true that the Arctic is highly sensitive to climate change and the diminishing food sources and changes to habitat represent a very real threat to polar bear populations. However, the reality of the consequences of climate change for animals goes well beyond melting ice. These consequences may also be more complex and less perceptible than the well illustrated plight of the polar bear.
Recent studies have shown that warmer temperatures will impact the incubation of sea turtle eggs. The temperature of the sand during incubation determines the gender of the turtle; increased temperatures will result in a higher proportion of females. While this may be good news for population growth in the short-term, ultimately a severe gender imbalance poses a serious threat.
These findings emphasise that the consequences of climate change may not always be obvious. The incubation of sea turtle and other reptile eggs is just one example of an obscure repercussion. It seems likely that there will be many more and if we cannot pre-empt them it is improbable that we will be able to respond to them in a timely or effective way.
Plants and animals have spent millions of years evolving to thrive in their environment. Climate change disrupts delicate and intricate environmental balances at a rate that is too fast for animals to adapt.
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