Ice is melting in both polar ice caps and mountain glaciers. These pollutants are causing what is popularly known today as “the Greenhouse Effect”. Habitat Disappearing. At the moment we are witnessing this through changes in animal and plant global distribution, as well as their behaviour. "We can observe this happening in real time in many places. Unless greenhouse gas emissions are severely reduced, climate change could cause a quarter of land animals, birdlife and plants to become extinct. Global climate change and warming threaten the lives of plants, animals, and people. Learn about global warming and the consequences to our environment from increased wildlife extinction rates to acidic oceans and polluted air. As biodiversity decreases, there will be far-reaching effects. There are many Effects of Environment Change on Animals. Because current climate change is so rapid, the way species typically adapt (eg - migration) is, in most cases, simply not be possible. At its worst, it is feared that Global Warming may cause as many as a staggering quarter of all land animals, birdlife and plants to become extinct. Climate-induced changes are likely to cause a series of cascading effects involving many species of plants and animals. Natalie Boelman, assistant research professor at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, is studying the impacts of the changing conditions here on some of the millions of songbirds from all over the world that migrate to the Arctic in spring and summer to breed because of abundant food sources and fewer predators and … It is just not the animals, but insects, reptiles, and aquatic animals are all interdependent on each other, and even on plants and humans. Whatever we call it, global warming is impacting every living being on planet earth including plants and animals, in addition to ice caps melting, increasing sea levels and the extinction of plant and animal species. Consequently, the balance of evidence from these studies strongly suggests that a significant impact of global warming is already discernible in animal and plant populations. This does not mean that species have become extinct: the effects are local. If governments and industries do not come together soon to reverse these effects, it may be too late. Climate change is already beginning to alter the natural world. The Effect of Global Warming on Animals & Plants Terry L. Root Senior Fellow—University Faculty Stanford University Over the last 100 years, the average global surface temperature has warmed approximately 0.7oC (1.4oF) and is projected to rise at an increasing rate over the next century. The evidence is clear and should not be ignored. A study of 976 plant and animal species worldwide – freshwater, terrestrial and marine – reveals that local extinctions have happened in 47% of their natural ranges. Animals are in generally adaptable creatures and with the environment constantly changing, the need to quickly adapt is becoming important for the continuation of the species. The planet is warming, humans are mostly to blame and plants and animals are going to dramatic lengths to cope. Climate change is already beginning to alter the natural world. Our climate is changing, both naturally and due to human exploitation. … Already, global warming is having a measurable effect on the planet. Which Animals Are Hardest Hit by Global Warming? Disruptions in the food chain may greatly affect not only ecosystems but also humanity's ability to feed an ever-growing population. In Brazil, for example, hydroelectric energy production is expected to decrease by 7% by the year 2100 due to global warming. As the Earth gets warmer, plants and animals that need to live in cold places, like on mountaintops or in the Arctic, might not have a suitable place to live. The planet is warming, humans are mostly to blame and plants and animals are going to dramatic lengths to cope. Global change is simply too pervasive and occurring too rapidly. 2 Minute Read The planet is warming, from North Pole to South Pole. There is already undeniable evidence that animals, birds and plants are being affected by climate change and global warming in both their distribution and behavior. A study of 976 plant and animal species worldwide – freshwater, terrestrial and marine – reveals that local extinctions have happened in 47% of their natural ranges. Learn about the impact and consequences of climate change and global warming for the environment and our lives. Impact of Global Warming on Animals Animals are essential to maintain the circle of life and the food chain. A large number of ancient mass extinction events have been strongly linked to global climate change. For example, losing diverse insect species will decrease plant pollination. large plant-eaters like moose, caribou/reindeer and musk ox; and ; meat-eaters like weasels, wolverines, wolves, foxes, bears and birds of prey. Global warming effects on animals is increasing daily and without action many species will become extinct This does not mean that species have become extinct: the effects are local. Since global warming has the potential to radically alter a habitat, it could result in more animals dying, fewer breeding, and a lot of endangered species.