Two-thirds of America’s bird population at risk from climate change

October 17, 2019

Two-thirds of America’s bird population is at risk of extinction from climate change, according to a new report from the Audubon Society.

Rising global temperatures, habitat destruction and changing weather patterns will soon put 389 breeding bird species at risk, adding to the loss of nearly 30% of America’s bird population over the last 50 years.

In all, 97% of America’s breeding birds will be impacted by at least two negative climate-related variables.

According to Earther, the at-risk species will include “all of the arctic-breeding species, all but one of the boreal forest-breeding species, and 86 percent of the western forest breeding species, and 78 percent of waterbirds.”

In Indiana, 81 total bird species will experience some level of vulnerability, with 15 species classified as highly vulnerable. These high-risk species include the red-headed woodpecker, scarlet tanager, eastern whip-poor-will and four types of warbler.

The report reached its conclusions by analyzing the climate change effects that will be brought about by global temperatures rising between 1.5 and 3 degrees Celsius. These effects include rise in sea level, extreme weather and an increase in wildfires.

Two-thirds of America’s bird population at risk from climate change

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