Bird species and climate change: The global status report
This summary outlines the findings of "Birds Species and Climate Change" which provides a global analysis of current and future impacts of climate change on birds. The report reviews more than 200 research reports to assemble a clear and consistent picture of climatic risk to this important animal group, illustrated with numerous examples and case studies.
The report finds that:
- climate change now affects bird species' behaviour, ranges and population dynamics;
- some bird species are already experiencing strong negative impacts from climate change; and
- in future, subject to greenhouse gas emissions levels and climatic response, climate change will put large numbers bird species at risk of extinction, with estimates of extinction rates varying from 2 to 72%, depending on the region, climate scenario and potential for birds to shift to new habitat.
