Wildlife threatened by a warming world
Climate change spells disaster for the world's plants and animals, many of which are already suffering from a loss of habitat, pollution and over-exploitation.
As habitats change with the changes in temperature, rainfall and the severity of droughts and floods, many of the world's plants and animals will be pushed over the edge into extinction.
Science journal Nature recently revealed that between 15 and 37 per cent of terrestrial species worldwide could become extinct by 2050 if estimated levels of climate change are not reduced.
In Australia, at least 90 species have been identified as being at risk - including koalas, wombats and some species of kangaroo, together with countless other mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs and fish.
According to the Australian Government's Department of Environment and Heritage most highland faunal species will disappear if average temperatures increase by 1-5°C.
Mount Kosciusko, Australia's highest mountain, is set to lose its alpine environment, threatening animals such as the mountain pygmy possum.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is projecting increases of 1.4 to 5.8°C in globally averaged surface temperatures by the year 2100, as compared with 1990.
This represents a rate of warming that is far greater than any that has occurred in the last 10,000 years - the period over which civilization has developed.
Rare species, fragmented ecosystems and areas already under pressure from pollution and deforestation are the most vulnerable.
In the Arctic, an expected temperature increase of 2°C could result in the extinction of such iconic species as polar bears, seals and walruses, according to a series of studies by WWF.
Coral reefs around the world have been severely damaged by unusually warm ocean temperatures. At the current rate of degradation, the entire Great Barrier Reef could be dead within a human lifetime. Destructive fishing practices, pollution, coastal development and climate change are all taking their toll.
A study by WWF (PDF 1.1MB) revealed that global warming threatens to damage one third of plant and animal habitats by the end of the century, causing a wave of extinctions.
We must act now to address the looming threat of climate change and stop degradation of the world's habitats.
How you can help
- Learn more about the potentially devastating effects of climate change on biodiversity.
- Help stop global warming by making the switch to Green Power accredited electricity and becoming energy efficient in your daily activities.
- Support WWF so that we can continue our work on critical environmental issues such as climate change and water management.
