Global warming a threat to wildlife
News Source: Sunshine Coast Eco News June/July 2007
By Carolyn Beaton, Communications Manager, WWW
The mission for Wildlife Warriors Worldwide is to protect wildlife and wildlife habitat, inclusive of humanity. Overriding this endeavour however is the threat of global warming which scientists predict could have a devastating effect on all of Earth's inhabitants if it is not addressed by this generation.
The science journal Nature revealed between 15 and 37 per cent of terrestrial species worldwide could become extinct by 2050 if estimated levels of climate change are not reduced. Yet is just one more of a number of existing threats to wildlife - including loss of habitat by land clearing, urbanization and pollution.
At the Australian Wildlife Hospital - a major project of Wildlife Warriors Worldwide - we are already seeing the effects of climate change. The widespread drought in Queensland has seen many emaciated koala patients admitted in recent months. By and large, koalas do not rely on water to drink, however the loss of vegetation as a result of the drought leaves them without a food source. The Climate Action Network Australia has stated that there are at least 90 species of animal in Australia at risk from climate change.
In the wider world, there are many other examples of the effects of global warming on biodiversity. Going forward, the World Worldwide Fund (WWF) has stated that an expected increase in temperature of 2 per cent in the Arctic circle could result in the extinction of icon species in that region - polar bears, seals and walruses. Like koalas, polar bears are at risk of losing their food source. Alarmingly, there have also been reported cases of polar bears drowning as a result of smaller, isolated icebergs melting.
The general increase in annual temperatures and the prevalence of extreme weather conditions, including heatwaves and prolonged drought, are symptomatic of the increased greenhouse gas emissions. According to the WWF, Australians "are the highest per capita greenhouse gas polluters in the world" primarily as a result of our reliance on burning coal.
Whilst humans can be seen to be the primary influencer in terms of climate change, it is not too late for us to make a difference.
Wildlife Warriors Worldwide supports the proactive reduction of carbon emissions - an issue that is presently high on our agenda. We are pursuing partnership opportunities with like-minded organizations and individuals.
Our founder, Steve Irwin, had a vision to revegetate Australia. He had seen the benefits of large-scale tree planting on his own Queensland properties. These benefits were two-fold - providing safe habitat for wildlife and improving air quality for future generations. Conversely, during the period 2000-2004, 1.5 million hectares of forest were cleared across Australia according to the Australian State of the Environment 2006, UN Global Forest Resources Assessment 2005. Wildlife Warriors Worldwide is on a mission to purchase additional safe habitat areas.
We can see clear evidence that, at a very fundamental level, what is good for wildlife is also good for us! There is scope for every Australian to take a lead from Steve's example to make a difference - it may be as simple as planting a tree, choosing cleaner alternatives including recycling, supporting conservation organisations and influencing others to make a difference too.
