Global Warming Affects Biodiversity Essay

There has always been a link between climate change and biodiversity. As the climate changes, the animals in the affected areas have to either adjust or leave. Although climate changes have been occurring throughout history, the rapid climate changes of today are resulting in species not being able to adapt quickly enough and undergoing species loss. Some species may adapt well to the climate changes such as an increase in bugs and pests, but others, such as Arctic animals are being forced away from their homes as the glaciers that they live on melt and break away. The Arctic and areas that are in higher latitudes have a higher rate of warming and this pattern is expected to continue as climates everywhere changes and temperatures go up. As Earth warms up, the glaciers in the Arctic start to melt, and species such as the polar bear and the arctic fox that depend on the sea ice, will start to disappear and only be available for viewing in places such as zoos. The polar bear and the arctic fox are not just the only species that will be affected. The fish, birds, marine mammals, and even the algae that grows on the undersides of the glaciers will be severely impacted as the ice melts and eventually disappears all together. The climate changes do strictly impact the Arctic, but the whole world. As ice melts in the Arctic, the temperature in seas and oceans change and the salt levels change which affects the reproduction of marine species. Once this happens, Alaskan fish will be a delicacy only available for the rich and special. Also once the all the sea ice melts, the water levels will rise and much of the land bordering oceans and seas will be covered and people will be forced to relocate and adjust, just like the Arctic animals. The change in ecosystems all over the world will result in loss of food sources, jobs, natural resources, and some natural pharmaceutical products. Rising temperatures will also affect the health of humans by exposing them to more forms of disease. Cold temperatures help regulate and control the spreading of many diseases. Diseases such as malaria are likely to spread because mosquitos will not die during the winter because temperatures are slightly lower than they are in summer. Parasites that originate from sub-tropical environments may migrate to more moderate biomes and reproduce and attack there.