Effect of Climate Change on Animals

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"We call them dumb animals, and so they are, for they cannot tell us how they feel, but they do not suffer less because they have no words” (Anna Sewell). There is undeniable evidence that animals are being affected by climate change. Even though the effects are difficult to measure, there are many different ways animals are being affected. With the loss of predator and prey species it affects the life cycles in the food chain. The earth’s climate change causes habitats such as snow, ice, or forest areas to alter, resulting in loss of habitat and food accessibility as well as causing extinction.

Global warming is the name given to the increase in the earth’s surface temperature. It is caused by the collection of greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide, water vapor, nitrous oxide, and methane, from the atmosphere. Climate change caused by global warming is an issue that demands immediate awareness. Measures are being taken to reduce green house gases by recycling, driving hybrid cars, or using less plastic. Even though their have been changes in the past few years, there has been little change.

Climate change has altered food availability for traveling species. Some animals, like birds arrive on schedule to find their food sources such as insects, or seeds, but have produced too early or not at all. For example, lemming populations have begun to suffer due to climate change. Many animals depend on lemmings for food, and if they cannot provide the food it affects multiple other species (National Wildlife Federation). Also because of climate change, trees and plants that grow fruits are blooming during different times whether its late or early, which results in animals starving for food. It is a cycle that is a recurring pattern around ...

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...en though there are many people trying to solve this problem, and measures are being taken, there has not been very much of a difference. People like to see change fast. By doing so, they should spread the news of climate change.

Works Cited

Arctic Climate Change." Green Gacts (2001): n. pag. Web. 28 Mar 2011. .

"Climate Change - effects on animals, birdlife and plants." Climate and Weather (2010): n. pag. Web. 28 Mar 2011. .

"Effects on Wildlife and Habitat." National Wildlife Federation (1996): n. pag. Web. 28 Mar 2011.

Global Climate Change (2002): n. pag. Web. 28 Mar 2011. .

"A way forward on climate change." WWF (2009): n. pag. Web. 28 Mar 2011.

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