Climate changes

Climate change poses an unprecedented threat to the world and its wildlife, from rare species to the landscape itself. Some of the planet's most breathtaking features now face an uncertain future, as this gallery from Conservation International testifies.

Frogs and toads are declining worldwide due to a mysterious fungal disease epidemic. In the Andean tropical mountains, scientists have documented the extinction of 67 percent of Tropical American harlequin toads. Evidence shows that climate change has increased the occurrence of the fungal disease killing these frogs. As Alan Pounds, a leading researcher of the amphibian decline, has said: “The fungus is the bullet that killed the toads, but climate change pulled the trigger.”

Gulf of Chiriqui, Panama

Hydrocoral was declared extinct before scientists even had given it a name. In 1991 it was thought to be gone forever as a result of a massive ocean warming event in 1982-83. A small colony was rediscovered in 1993, but was then killed by a subsequent ocean warming event. The status of this species is uncertain.

Northwest South Africa

Aloe dichotoma, the quiver tree, is declining across much of its range due to warming and drying. This unique species was used by the San or “Bushman” people to craft quivers for arrows. Its succulent branches are nearly hollow but it hasn't been able to hold enough water to stave off climate change.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

The cloud forest in Monteverde, Costa Rica is changing: clouds are moving higher up mountain slopes and conditions are drying. One species, the golden toad (Bufo periglens), is already extinct. Many other amphibians have undergone huge declines. Birds are migrating upslope, and toucans from lower elevations are driving resplendent quetzals to higher and higher elevations by preying on their nests.

Antarctic

There has been a 10-fold crash in the krill population in the Antarctic since 1950, likely due to decreases in the algae krill feed on. The algae grow on the underside of sea ice, but as sea ice melts due to climate change, there is less algae krill to form the base of the Antarctic marine food web, so species from whales to penguins are at risk due to krill population declines.

Raja Ampat Islands

Raja Ampat's marine habitats naturally experience some of the largest ocean temperature variations in this region. To date, however, they have exhibited an exceptional resilience to the stresses associated with climate change. These marine habitats, particularly the coral reefs, are therefore likely to be some of the most resilient in the region. They provide refuge for marine wildlife and will be central to the repopulation of species in nearby areas that prove less resilient to climate change.

Pacific Islands

Coral reefs have been compared to underwater rain forests: they are full of life. Twenty percent have been destroyed; another 60 percent are severely threatened by climate change. Losing reefs is equal to losing about $375 billion dollars yearly and will jeopardize the food and economic security of about 30 million people. Since most coral reefs are found in tropical waters of developing countries, people already in poverty will be most affected.

The Amazon

The frequency of natural fires is increasing in the Amazon due to longer and more severe droughts throughout this massive region. In turn, the future of many plant species that are rare throughout the Amazon is under threat. Scientists predict that if current trends in climate change continue, 43 percent of representative plant species now living in the Amazon will disappear in 80 years.

Papua New Guinea

New Guinea’s extraordinary tropical montane biodiversity wilderness, as well as its extensive coral reefs, will suffer serious impacts from global climate change, including rising sea levels, sea water warming, atmospheric warming, erratic wind patterns, and altered rainfall patterns. Some impacts already are evident. In 1997-98, drought encompassed the entire island and small fires quickly spread throughout the dry flammable forests, giving the indication of having an untold effect on wildlife.

Nepal

Glaciers around the world are shrinking at a dramatic rate. Rapid melting of Himalayan glaciers in parts of India, Nepal, and China will cause flooding and avalanches. As climate change progresses, and meltwater from glaciers disappears, the loss of agricultural productivity dependent on this water source will affect the food security of more than one-sixth the world’s population living in valleys below major mountain ranges.

China

Ten percent of the world’s population, about 643 million people, live in coastal areas. Coastal areas are at great risk from sea-level rise, which is projected to increase dramatically – anywhere from one to six meters – this century. Coastal cities, agriculture, livelihoods, and infrastructure will be affected. China is among 10 countries with the largest number of people vulnerable to sea level rise.

The Congo

Populations near the equator are subject to severe swings in precipitation, resulting in flooding and drought cycles. This will affect local production negatively, especially in subsistence sectors at low latitudes.