Climate Change is Here. Here’s How It’s Affecting Birds
Common Loons could be gone from much of Maine with just a 2º Celsius rise in temperatures. Photo courtesy Eliza Nickelson.
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues humans have ever faced, and will likely be the most vital issue my generation will have to take action about. We are currently seeing the beginning effects of climate change, with stronger storms, higher temperatures, and ice melts in the North and South poles1. These things are happening now, and they are happening fast. Without quick and dramatic action, climate change will become irreversible within the next decade2 and the problems we are facing today will likely be mild compared to what people will face in the future.
One of the effects climate change is having is on birds. Although you may not have noticed that the birds in your yard are feeling the effects of our carbon emissions, they are being affected greatly. For example, Boreal Chickadees, one of the most sought-after birds in Maine, will completely disappear from the state as well as the country with just a 1.5º Celsius rise in temperatures3. We have already risen one degree, so the chances of this bird leaving Maine is good.
Another common and iconic bird that is being affected is the Common Loon4. Appearing in old lake houses in paintings and on our lakes with their unmistakeable call, loons are sacred to Mainers. However, with a 2º Celsius rise in temperatures, they could be gone from much of eastern and southern Maine.
Although this may be news, and not happy news at that, to you, there is still hope. Many businesses, corporations, and people are getting involved to fight climate change every day. While there is no one perfect solution, together we may be able to take enough action to help reverse climate change in time to create hope for future generations. For more ideas, visit this website (link here). Happy advocacy!
1https://climate.nasa.gov/effects/
2 https://www.un.org/press/en/2019/ga12131.doc.htm
3 https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/american-goldfinch
Common Loons could be gone from much of Maine with just a 2º Celsius rise in temperatures. Photo courtesy Eliza Nickelson.
This possible range map shows where Common Loons could lose habitat with 2º Celsius warming. Map courtesy Audubon.
This possible range map shows where Boreal Chickadees could lose habitat with 1.5º Celsius warming. Map courtesy Audubon.
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About this blog:
Enthusiastic Birder
Eliza is a sophomore in high school. She loves birds, looking for birds, and most everything related to birds. She also plays the piano, is an active Girl Scout, and loves gardening. She is very excited to be fully vaccinated and to be able to see her friends and family!
