A recent report was published that outlines the top ten ecosystems that are being affected by climate change, and the impacts they have on endangered species that live in those ecosystems. Compiled by the Endangered Species Coalition, with the support of numerous organizations such as Audubon, NRDC, and Oceana, the introductory question posed was “If your house were on fire, what would you save?…What if it wasn’t just your house, but your whole planet that was on fire?” Though a bit dramatic in language, it forces the issue that can be often overlooked. The top ten ecosystems can be found across the globe, and have a wide variety of species that call these places home. Unfortunately, quite a few of the areas fall within the boundaries of United States.
- Arctic Sea Ice:
The warming Arctic has reduced the amount of Arctic Sea Ice, a crucial habitat for the polar bear, Pacific walrus, many species of seal, as well as rich marine algae that forms the base of the marine food chain. Scientists expect this ecosystem to completely disappear within the next 20-25 years. - Shallow Water Coral Reefs:
These coral reefs can be found across the globe, from Hawaii to the coasts of Florida to the US Virgin Islands. These reefs are feeding grounds for almost a quarter of all ocean life, and more than 100 million people worldwide depend of these reefs for economic stability, storm surges, tsunamis, and coastal erosion. The sustainability of the coral reefs depends on the acidity of the ocean water, and with riser CO2 levels, the water’s acidity rises, threatening to eliminate many of these ecosystems. - The Hawaiian Islands:
The Hawaiian Islands are more than just a tourist destination; they are also home to over a dozen threatened bird species and hundreds of endangered plants. The rising ocean levels (due to the melting of Arctic ice) floods atolls and damages shallow water and coastal ecosystems. Rising temperatures introduce more mosquitoes, which can be carriers of diseases like malaria and avian pox. - Southwest Deserts:
The deserts of the southwest are already vast expanses of dry, arid land with extreme temperature fluxuation. However, they are also home to many species that can be found no where else on the planet. This uniqueness is also their weakness, because even the slightest change in the species ecosystem can have a great impact on their survival. - San Francisco Bay Delta:
The complex area of the San Francisco Bay is home to hundreds of species of birds, fish, and other wildlife. The multiple rivers and estuaries that feed into the Bay Delta also provide protection during the Pacific salmon’s migratory season. Almost half of the original indigenous fish of the Bay Delta are already endangered or extinct. - California Sierra Nevada Mountains:
The area made famous by John Muir many decades ago is home to 570 different vertibrate species (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish). However, over 30 percent of these species are currently on California’s Special Animal List, for monitoring of population count as the population dwindles. Warming temperatures are changing the winter season, bringing more rain, than snow and reducing overall snow pack. This also brings an earlier snowmelt, which is dangerous for the amphibious populations. - The Snake River Basin:
The Snake River flows through multiple states in the Northwest, connecting a wide range of habitats across Wyoming, Central Idaho, Southeast Washington, and Northeast Oregon. The steelhead, chinook, and sockeye salmon all call the Snake River their home, and recent studies have shown that the water temperature is rising faster than the surrounding air in the area. Salmon and steelhead require clear, cold water for reproduction. - Greater Yellowstone:
Our country’s first national park is also one of the areas in need of careful monitoring. The Greater Yellowstone area became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the area’s famous Whitebark Pine are being threatened by beetle infestations, threatening to destroy the entire sub-alpine forests, as well as the animal populations that rely on it for sustenance. The Grizzly is one of these animals, and in times of abundance of whitebark pine seeds, population grows. However, with the damaged whitebark pine population, less cubs are being born, and the numbers of Grizzlies in the area are dropping. This lack of food also forces the Grizzly to expand their search for food, which is why we are hearing more reports incidents between Grizzlies and humans. - The Gulf Coast Flatlands and Wetlands:
This area was dealt a rather large blow this past year with the horrible BP oil spill. The area that was already suffering population decline in species like the Piping plover and Snowy plover due to climate change was inundated with toxic oil. The coast is a nesting ground for many species, as well as a migratory destination for many species of birds. With warming gulf water temperatures, the occurrence of more Category 5 hurricanes is predicted, destroying the fragile coastline. - The Greater Everglades:
The Greater Everlades is the home to 67 federally listed threatened or endangered species, and water levels are expected to rise at least three feet in the next century. Coastal storms brought on by warmer water temperatures will bring salt water intrusion, erosion, and invasive species.
Fortunately, the Endangered Species Coalition also outlines on their website ten ways that you can help to reduce these impacts. Many of the suggestions are things that people are already starting to include in daily routine, like taking public transportation, reducing energy consumption, and buying local/sustainable foods. Even the smallest effort to change can have a huge impact on ecosystems that are threatened by climate change.
Learn more about the Endangered Species Coalition and read the full report here.
