Tag: wildlife protection

Migratory Species in The Arctic Suffer From Climate Change

by Anne-Maria Yritys, posted in Change Leadership, climate action, climate leadership, Global Climate Change

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Migratory species refers to all species that periodically “cross one or several national jurisdictional boundaries”. (InforMEA – migratory species – Definition(s). In other words, species that change their physical environment seasonally, because these cannot live/survive in the same geographical region around the year due to climatic conditions. Migratory species include for instance butterflies, birds, whales, seals, dolphins, turtles and insects. (Encyclopedia.com – Migratory Species).

Since migratory species are sensitive to climate change, a changing climate including even slight changes in environmental conditions can lead to these species changing their habitat/routes. The Bonn Convention (EUR-Lex-Access to European Union law) for Conservation of migratory species aims at developing international cooperation for conservation of migratory species of wild animals. As stated in the Bonn Convention, “wild animals require special attention because of their importance from the environmental, ecological, genetic, scientific, recreational, cultural, educational, social and economic points of view”. Furthermore, according to the Bonn Convention, parties must prevent migratory species from becoming endangered through promotion, cooperation and supporting research related to migratory species. Read the complete act here.

According to ACIA (Arctic Climate Impact Assessment), climate change impacts upon animals and their habitats in the Arctic region will endanger the livelihood of certain species, including polar bears and seals that depend upon sea ice for many reasons: giving birth, resting, and hunting. If the sea ice disappears, these animals will be threatened by extinction. Other animals in the Arctic that are threatened by climate change include many migratory bird species, and even caribou and reindeer herds.

Learn more about the Bonn Convention and the protection of migratory species by watching Bonn Convention´s video: “Listen: Reconciling Energy Developments with Migratory Species Conservation”:

 

Connect with me on Twitter @annemariayritys. For climate/environment-related posts only @GCCThinkActTank. Subscribe to Leading With Passion to receive my latest posts.

 

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Who Protects Arctic Species From Climate Change?

by Anne-Maria Yritys, posted in Change Leadership, climate action, climate leadership, Global Climate Change

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Whose job is it to protect Arctic species from climate change? Is it a mission dedicated to someone especially, or is there something we could all do to help these species from the threats of climate change? What can we do to help these species? By adopting a polar bear and keeping it as a pet in future?

We all know that keeping a polar bear as a pet would be impossible. Polar bears need their current home environment, surrounded by glaciers, ice, snow and water, to survive. In fact, if and when the Arctic region´s glaciers melt, as they are predicted to do during summer months in only a few years of time, polar bears is one of the Arctic species that will face serious challenges for survival, even become threatened by extinction. Where will polar bears live without any ice?

Do we have any universal laws for the protection of animals, different species and wildlife? It seems that we do not, although many people and organizations are dedicated to the protection of animals, such as the non-profit organizations WWF (World Wildlife Foundation) and Polar Bears International. Through these organizations we can for example make donations and become protectors of specific species. In Finland, for instance, we have a species called the Saimaa ringed seal, which is under serious threat of extinction due to its natural habitat changing so drastically due to e.g. fishing practices, lack of snow and ice. At this moment, according to the The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation (FANC), there are only 360 Saimaa ringed seals left. WWF and FANC are trying to protect the Saimaa ringed seal from facing extinction, and, through actions supporting the Saimaa ringed seal to be able to grow the population of this highly endangered seal species.

The Saimaa ringed seal and polar bears are two examples of species that are seriously being threatened e.g. through fishing practices and climate change. According to the WWF, other species under threat include reindeer, a number of plant species, and many migratory birds. Even the Arctic fox is under threat. And, how about the extremely shy snow leopard? Snow owls? Examples are many. What other animals and species can you come up with?

Learn more about how to protect endangered species by watching MsMojo´s video “Top 10 Ways To Protect Endangered Species”:

 

Connect with me on Twitter @annemariayritys. For climate/environment-related posts only @GCCThinkActTank. Subscribe to Leading With Passion to receive my latest posts.

 

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