How are species affected by global warming and rising sea levels?

Global warming and rising sea levels threaten species by disrupting habitats, altering food chains and increasing extinction rates.

Global warming, primarily caused by human activities, is leading to a rise in average global temperatures. This has a profound impact on various species. For instance, polar species like the polar bear are losing their icy habitats due to melting ice caps and glaciers. This not only reduces their living space but also affects their ability to hunt for food, leading to a decline in their population. Similarly, coral reefs, which are home to a quarter of all marine species, are suffering from coral bleaching due to warmer ocean temperatures. This results in a loss of biodiversity and disrupts the balance of marine ecosystems.

Rising sea levels, another consequence of global warming, pose a significant threat to coastal and marine species. As sea levels rise, coastal habitats are being inundated and eroded, leading to loss of nesting sites for many birds and sea turtles. Moreover, saltwater intrusion into freshwater habitats can harm freshwater species. For example, in the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world, rising sea levels are causing an increase in salinity levels, threatening the survival of the Bengal tiger.

Furthermore, global warming and rising sea levels can alter food chains and ecosystems. Changes in temperature can affect the timing of natural events, such as flowering and migration. This can disrupt the synchrony between species, such as between a predator and its prey or a pollinator and its flower, leading to declines in populations and potentially, local extinctions. For instance, in the Arctic, earlier spring thaws mean that grizzly bears are emerging from hibernation before their main food sources are available, leading to starvation and decreased reproduction rates.

In conclusion, global warming and rising sea levels are causing significant disruptions to species and ecosystems. The impacts are far-reaching and complex, affecting not just individual species but entire ecosystems. Without urgent action to mitigate climate change, these impacts are likely to intensify, leading to increased extinction rates and loss of biodiversity.