For instance, birds may hatch their young before

Global warming, caused by the increase in Earth's average temperature due to greenhouse gas emissions, has significant effects on wildlife. Polar regions are experiencing melting ice caps, reducing habitats for species like polar bears and seals, while coral reefs are suffering from bleaching due to warmer oceans, threatening marine biodiversity. Forest habitats are also declining as changing temperatures and precipitation patterns affect species such as orangutans and amphibians. Many animals are migrating toward cooler regions or higher altitudes to escape rising temperatures, altering species distributions and disrupting ecosystems.

Changes in the timing of biological events, such as breeding or migration, can lead to mismatches between species. For instance, birds may hatch their young before food becomes abundant, reducing survival rates. Rising temperatures and heatwaves can exceed the tolerance of certain species, leading to increased stress or mortality, particularly in amphibians, reptiles, and fish. Extreme weather events, including hurricanes, droughts, and floods, destroy habitats and directly threaten wildlife. In oceans, acidification caused by increased CO2 absorption affects organisms that rely on calcium carbonate for their shells, while warmer waters reduce oxygen levels, stressing marine life.

Migratory species face disrupted routes due to altered climates and habitat fragmentation, and warmer temperatures facilitate the spread of diseases like the chytrid fungus in amphibians or expand the range of ticks and mosquitoes, affecting wildlife health. Many species are unable to adapt quickly to these rapid changes, leading to higher extinction rates. To mitigate these effects, efforts include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding protected areas, restoring damaged ecosystems, and fostering international cooperation through agreements like the Paris Accord. Immediate and collective action is essential to preserve biodiversity and protect ecosystems from the escalating impacts of climate change.