Climate Crisis Leads to Possible Loss of State Birds
March 11, 2020
A recent study conducted by the Audubon Society has pointed out yet another negative repercussion that could be brought on by the climate crisis. After mapping out the impact of global warming on about 600 species of birds in America, scientists found that over 300 different species could potentially be forced to relocate to find homes that suit their needs.
With the possibility of the increase in greenhouse gas emissions forcing birds to permanently migrate comes another destressing truth: because of this, several states are at risk of losing their state bird.
From the Brown Thrasher of Georgia to the Common Loon of Minnesota, as many as ten states are at risk of losing their beloved state bird. Even Colorado could lose the Lark Bunting in a matter of years.
However, it’s bigger than the birds simply moving to a different area of the country or the world; their search for appropriate weather could force them into hostile habitats. This would ultimately lead them to potentially face extinction as well, making them climate endangered.
David Yarnold, the president and CEO of the National Audubon Society, said in a statement that “The connection between birds and humans is undeniable — we share the same fate,” meaning that the forced moving and possible extinction of birds is a picture of what is to come in the future of humans as well.
This new development in the climate crisis begs the question once again of “when does it stop?”. When will people finally wake up and realize that climate change is affecting life on earth for everyone and everything, and unless something is done to try and stop it, there will only be more beloved state birds, and countless other things, that will suffer the consequences.