Summary
- What is Earth Day?
- How to Do Your Part on Earth Day
- Wildlife Threatened by Climate Change
Yesterday in Ontario, Canada, we woke up to several inches of snow. Just a few days earlier, we enjoyed warm weather in shorts and a T-shirt. Our climate is confused. As we traveled pre-pandemic, we observed the effects of climate change globally. Everywhere we went, guides warned us, saying things like, “This isn’t normal weather,” “It isn’t normally this hot,” or “These winds have never been so strong.” Wildlife is paying a huge price as a result.
It is estimated that by 2100, 50% of the wildlife in the world could face extinction due to climate change. Currently, there are about 2 million species on Earth. Can you imagine losing half of all species? That’s an alarming statistic!
This situation is tragic and deeply troubling. The animals of the world hold immense value for Dave and myself, and we cherish our wildlife encounters during our travels. Therefore, we wanted to remind everyone of just how beautiful and unique Earth’s animals are, particularly on Earth Day.
What is Earth Day?
Earth Day has been celebrated since 1970. Even 50 years ago, humans recognized the world was in crisis. In prior years, urban smog, reckless harvesting of natural resources, and toxic pollution of rivers and lakes were rampant. I remember being taught in school about acid rain and warnings against swimming in contaminated lakes. Wow, how times have changed.
Polar Ice Caps are Melting
Human development has led to increased greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in rapid temperature rises. Consequently, this affects polar regions profoundly. Fortunately, people are taking action; if we heed the warnings Al Gore issued 20 years ago—that we have only a decade to make a difference—we might yet reverse the detrimental effects of climate change by working collectively.
It wasn’t until 1990 that Earth Day became a global event, with 141 countries participating to raise environmental awareness. Although the movement has persisted, it seems to be losing momentum. Climate deniers remain active, and not enough action is being taken by governments to safeguard our planet. However, the year 2021 provided some optimism. President Biden has made climate change a priority again, and Canada has pledged to improve their environmental practices. Surprisingly, even the conservative opposition leader has admitted that climate change is real, which is contrary to his party’s typical stance. Today, Earth Day is celebrated in 193 countries, with 1 billion people participating.
How to Do Your Part on Earth Day
There are numerous actions everyone can take to contribute to a better world. This includes reducing plastic consumption, volunteering for cleanups, driving less, limiting water use, and adopting a vegetarian diet (or at least reducing meat consumption).
The youth of today are leading the charge, acting as activists to forge a brighter future. It’s their generation that will bear the brunt of climate change consequences, and they’re using their voices to effect change. As they celebrate today, we want to advocate for wildlife that lacks a voice. The plight of wildlife around the globe is dire, and witnessing the extinction of these species would be a profound tragedy. Just look at these faces below.
Wildlife Threatened by Climate Change
Polar Bears
Polar bears have emerged as a symbol of climate change, with Arctic waters heavily impacted. As ice melts faster in spring and forms later in autumn, they have limited time to feed during winter months. However, there is hope. We viewed an insightful documentary by David Suzuki titled “The Nature of Things,” revealing how polar bears have adapted. While they aren’t out of danger, it illustrates their intelligence and resilience. Learn more about our encounters with polar bears at Walking with Polar Bears – The Greatest Arctic Safari.
Pandas
The giant panda is another key species in conservation discussions. They have been disappearing for years, and despite substantial efforts to sustain their populations, the situation remains precarious. Pandas face a low reproduction rate and struggle to adapt to climate shifts. Habitat loss due to human encroachment forces them to seek higher ground, which leads to a decline in their primary food source, bamboo. Explore Things to Do in China – Must-See Attractions and Places to Visit.
Penguins
On the polar opposite side of the planet, penguins are likewise feeling the impacts of climate change. The Antarctic Peninsula is warming at one of the fastest rates on Earth, leading to unreliable nesting and hunting grounds, severely threatening their survival. Check out more penguin adventures 11 of the Best Things to Do in Antarctica.
Koala
During the devastating bushfires of 2020 in Australia, koalas received significant media attention as rescuers worked tirelessly to save them. Unfortunately, climate change is leading to more frequent fires, and their primary diet, eucalyptus leaves, is losing nutritional content. Koalas are increasingly vulnerable as they search for water and food, making them easy prey for predators. Discover more about our visit to a Koala Sanctuary – Cuteness in South Australia.
African Elephants
African elephants not only contend with poaching but also suffer from rising temperatures and encroaching diseases. The disappearance of watering holes due to drought and habitat loss poses an imminent threat to their survival. Enjoy our African Safari Animals: 34 Photos That Will Inspire You to Visit Tanzania.
Giraffes
While elephants have been a focus for years, giraffes quietly made the critically endangered species list in 2018. During our safaris in Africa, giraffes were among the more elusive creatures we encountered. Initially, we believed it was simply due to their excellent camouflage, but the reality is much graver; their numbers are dwindling. Explore 16 Amazing Things to Do in Tanzania.
Lions
The king of the Savannah is not immune to the pressures of climate change. As prey animals shift their migration patterns, lions find themselves restricted to national parks and game reserves, unable to follow their food sources. With droughts and habitat loss becoming more common, the scenario for these majestic animals is increasingly dire. See more impressive African safari photos: Incredible Kenya Pictures – An Amazing Visual Journey.
Galapagos Tortoise
The Galapagos tortoise has endured the test of time but now faces challenges posed by climate change that threaten its survival. Rising temperatures disrupt nesting and hatching cycles. We’ve witnessed effective conservation efforts in the Galapagos, where dedicated individuals strive to protect the baby turtles and tortoises, though it’s becoming increasingly difficult. Explore more about Unique Galapagos Islands Animals in Photos.
Iguanas
Marine and land iguanas in the Galapagos are also at risk. Located at the equator, the Galapagos is experiencing increased temperatures. With ocean levels rising due to warming currents, coastal erosion is accelerating, resulting in the loss of essential nesting areas. Discover more about Marine Iguanas Feeding Underwater in the Galapagos.
Blue-footed Booby
The blue-footed booby is an iconic species, and like many others, these striking seabirds are facing challenges from climate change. As sea levels rise, their coastal nesting sites are at risk. Following events like El Niño, many breeding colonies have been abandoned, a trend expected to persist. Check out more amazing Galapagos animals: 27 Photos That Will Transport You to the Galápagos Islands.
Toucans
During our journeys in Costa Rica and the Amazon Rainforest, we encountered many toucans. Sadly, these beautiful birds face threats arising from human activity. Their habitats are being decimated to clear land for coal mines, and the ensuing deforestation contaminates local water sources, exacerbating the challenges they face. Learn more about What to Expect on an Amazon River Cruise – Life on the River.
Primates
Monkeys, lemurs, and apes, our closest relatives in nature, are also suffering from climate change. The orangutan, in particular, has been at risk for many years, especially since our trip to Borneo in 2003, where they were already facing hardships from habitat loss. Explore Great Things to Do in Borneo – Malaysia’s Wild Jungle Island.
As climate patterns become more erratic, shifting rainfall adversely impacts ecosystems. Droughts are growing more frequent, leading to inevitable habitat loss as humans continue to clear forests. If we can’t protect our closest animal relatives, how can we hope to protect ourselves? Discover more about What to Expect on a Panama Canal Cruise with Uncruise.
Sharks
Warming ocean waters are altering shark habitats and hunting grounds as they search for suitable environments. Have you noticed the increasing sightings of great white sharks in regions where they weren’t previously found? These movements reflect sharks’ need to locate optimal habitats amidst rising ocean temperatures, compounded by the melting polar ice caps. If you wish to swim with whale sharks, the coasts of the Mayan Riviera and the Philippines offer great opportunities. Swimming with Whale Sharks in Cancun – A Massive Adventure.
Seals
Seals, much like polar bears, depend on sea ice for survival, and rising temperatures are making it increasingly hard for them to thrive. The scarcity of ice leads to earlier separation of pups from their mothers, contributing to declining populations. Read about Kayaking in Greenland – The Greatest Arctic Adventure in Photos.
Whales
Whales rely on ocean currents for migration, hunting, and survival. Unfortunately, they’re experiencing prey loss due to climate changes, making it difficult for them to migrate to cooler waters. Research indicates that whales play a crucial role in maintaining ocean health by circulating nutrients during their movements. See more whale encounters and their importance in ecology: The Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Through Glacier Country.
Sea Turtles
Sea turtles face immense challenges right from hatching, with only one in every thousand eggs surviving. The escalating temperatures erode their nesting sites and increase their vulnerability to predators, as shifting ocean currents impact their migrations. The destruction of coral reefs and pollution from plastics further complicates the survival of marine life. Our oceans are in crisis.
Black Bear
Although the black bear isn’t often highlighted concerning climate change like other species, they too are being affected. Climate change disrupts the natural hibernation patterns of black bears. Living in Canada, we witness how winters have changed; warm days can occur in January, with snowfalls in April. This unpredictability causes bears to wake from hibernation too early, making it challenging to find food and regain their weight. Consequently, this drives bears into urban areas searching for food, often leading to tragic outcomes.
Almost every species on Earth is being affected by climate change, including humans. Floods are intensifying, and wildfires are becoming increasingly uncontrollable. Therefore, let’s pledge to make a difference together. Even simple actions, such as monitoring events and educating ourselves, can impact.
Earth Day is celebrated each year, and you can learn more about live streams and events on the EarthDay.Org Website.
