Can I See The Forest before the Trees?

Effects on Animal Species

The climate is warming and changing; what does that mean for animals who live in these regions? Climate change is affecting populations of insects, reptiles, birds, fish, mammals, and amphibians. The following species have been most affected: wolves (and other canids), polar bears, penguins, butterflies (and other insects), frogs (and other amphibians), walruses, lions (and other big cats), whales (and dolphins).

Current Causes

There is a multitude of different factors that have been cited as reasons for increased global warming and, thus, global forest loss. Some of these reasons include more frequent instances of extreme weather such as droughts, wildfires, tornadoes, and hurricanes; deforestation in areas like Canada, Russia, and even Brazil; emissions from factories, cars, and planes; and an overall rise in temperature across Earth that has occurred since 1850.

How We Can Tackle Climate Change

Many people believe there is no way to avoid contributing to global warming, but it is possible to reduce your carbon footprint. There are many simple ways you can work to reduce emissions and prevent further environmental damage from occurring. A few examples include: buying green power or making a monthly donation to offset your carbon output, installing solar panels on your roof, growing trees in your yard, and cycling rather than driving where possible.