Scientists Warn: Climate Change’s Impact on Bird Migration Threatens Human Well‑Being

Getty Images: chuchart duangdaw

Apparently, the birds have been behaving strangely. I will admit I haven't noticed, but perhaps that is because the only birds I see are the few I feed in my backyard. However, scientists have been on the lookout, and what they have discovered is disheartening. They warn that there is a strong link between birds and climate change. Specifically, climate change has begun to affect bird migration patterns. Now, the consequences of this could be dire for humanity.

Getty images by Surasak Suwanmake

When speaking with NBC Connecticut, Andrew Farnsworth, a migration ecologist and a visiting scientist at Cornell University, had this to say.

"There's this very close relationship between where birds are when on the planet and what's happening with the climate and what's happening with weather, right?"

From there, he explained that this connection between birds and climate change is not localized. Instead, it is happening worldwide. From there, he notes that conditions in the Arctic and wildfires in the Boreal forests are having direct impacts on the birds. In the past, many species of birds had their "preferred routes" for migration. Additionally, they even had their favorite stopping locations where they would rest and fuel up.

However, climate change is now affecting that. How, you may be wondering. The NY Post explains perfectly. They write, "Because of climate change, birds that base their fly-tinerary on day length and other cues might show up too early or too late to a habitat or find that their favorite bug at these pitstops is no longer there." As a result, many birds face the risk of starvation or of not finding a mate, increasing their risk of extinction. 

Another factor that links birds and climate change is extreme weather. Climate change affects temperature and weather patterns. Now, as these birds make their long migratory journeys, they have to battle extreme weather conditions. Naturally, not all survive. Hurricanes are slowly extending later and later, meaning that these poor feathered friends are more likely to have to fly through a hurricane.

Why This Is Dire For Humans

Besides being downright depressing, this link between birds and climate change also has a negative impact on humans. Birds are an excellent pollinator of many plants. In fact, the NY Post shares that "roughly 5% of plants rely on birds to pollinate them." If birds continue to die off, the plants they pollinate will be affected. This, in turn, will cause food production to plummet and disrupt global ecosystems.

You Might Also Like