The Forgotten Victims of Climate Disaster

We face a global biodiversity crisis with increasing rates of species loss. Unprecedented As global emissions have made the climate warmer and more unpredictable, the impacts on wildlife and ecosystems are becoming increasingly apparent. From insects to birds, mammals and old-growth forests, the planet’s biodiversity is Face a serious threat Due to global warming.

July 2024 14 consecutive months Record-breaking global temperatures are expected to set 2024 as the hottest year on record. hottest year On record, the summer in the Northern Hemisphere has been marked by extreme weather, from devastating wildfires to massive flooding and unbearable heat. People and communities are feeling the detrimental effects of this climate disruption as homes are lost and lives are put at risk by destructive fires. Toxic smoke and Extreme high temperature.

Meanwhile, wildlife, the silent and often forgotten victims of extreme weather, also suffered continued losses of homes and livelihoods.

The devastating impact of wildfires on wildlife

When detecting a forest fire, large and fast animals often Escape while running or flying. On the other hand, smaller or slower animals (frogs, turtles, snakes, small mammals) Find shelter They may hide and die from the fire. If these animals survive the fire, they will die just like us. Vulnerable Symptoms may include heatstroke, oxygen deprivation, smoke inhalation, and dehydration, all of which can be fatal.

After the fire broke out, wildlife habitat The forest is completely transformed. The entire forest is replaced by small shrubs and grasses, and animals lose their food and nesting places. This drastic change in the ecosystem causes species to become increasingly Vulnerable To extinction— Already under threat The most endangered species or populations.

The fire Natural part The intensity and frequency of wildfires are increasing dramatically, destroying forest ecosystems and allowing certain species to thrive. Disturb stability Ecosystems are being destroyed and it is becoming increasingly difficult for animals to escape the fires.

The more fires there are, the more animals you see wandering around. Urban areaThey are looking for shelter as they escape their lost habitat. Help them by giving them space, not feeding them, and reporting injured animals to your local wildlife rescue center.

It’s getting so hot here.

In addition to fighting habitat loss from fires, animals also suffer from extreme heat. Hot temperatures can cause: Dehydration and heat stressIncrease diffusion Invasive speciesAnd disturb hibernation and migration Pattern – Force Wild Animals Adapt Unfamiliar temperatures, resources, and habitats.

Extreme temperatures have been identified as follows: criminal A growing number of local species are going extinct. Up to one in three species could go extinct if the planet continues to warm at alarming rates. lost Over the next 50 years, insects are particularly at risk. The number of areas occupied by native ground bees in North America is expected to decline. 46% decrease Comparison with surveys conducted between 1901 and 1974.

What can we do?

While communities, wildlife and entire ecosystems face the impacts of the climate crisis, the fossil fuel industry reaps billions of dollars in profits. Expanding oil production. They are burning by continuing to exploit coal, oil and gas. extreme weathercause climate disaster More frequent and more severe.

It’s too late. Communities are burning, animals are dying, and fossil fuel polluters are paying the price for fueling this climate chaos. We need to make sure they don’t create new Climate Recovery Fund—A fund used to recover, rebuild and adapt to the impacts of future climate change. By financially supporting communities and local governments hit by crises, we can work to build resilient communities and ecosystems in the face of climate disasters.

The future is in our hands. Together, we can hold the fossil fuel industry accountable for adding fuel to the fire and create a better future for people and the planet.

We express our heartfelt condolences to the people, wildlife and ecosystems negatively impacted by the extreme weather event.