10 species most threatened by global warming in America

Fewer than 1500 Akikiki remain. Photo credit Eric Vanderwerf

November 2009. Ten of America's most endangered species that will be affected by global warming are highlighted in a new report released the Endangered Species Coalition. The report, America's Hottest Species, demonstrates ways that our changing climate is increasing the risk of extinction for species on the brink of disappearing forever.

Global warming is like a bulldozer
"Global warming is like a bulldozer shoving species, already on the brink of extinction, perilously closer to the edge," said Leda Huta, executive director of the Endangered Species Coalition. "Endangered species don't have the luxury of waiting for international decision-makers to waiver on climate change, they need action now."

The report focuses on ten endangered or threatened species. According to Huta, "The species in this report are representative of all imperilled wildlife, plants and fish that are now facing an additional compounding threat to their survival. If President Obama and Congress don't lead, these impacts will only worsen. President Obama's decision to attend Copenhagen is encouraging."

20-30% of species threatened by global warming
Globally, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), 20 to 30 percent of the world's species will be at an increased risk of extinction if global temperature increases exceed 1.5 to 2.5° C (3 to 5° F) above pre-industrial levels. The global warming threats to species include increased disease, diminished reproduction, lost habitat, reduced food supply, and other impacts.

America's Hottest Species calls for action from the Obama Administration and Congress. "On the cusp of the Copenhagen meeting, the Administration has the opportunity to demonstrate leadership in protecting endangered wildlife from global warming," said Huta. "Simply put, we need binding agreements that will reduce emissions." In addition, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently released a draft Climate Change Strategic Plan to guide the government in both reducing global warming pollution and safeguarding fish and wildlife from the inevitable impacts of climate change.

What to do?
Currently, the U.S. Congress is considering climate change legislation. To truly protect wildlife, the report calls for the legislation to at a minimum follow three policies: 1) planning and funding to help wildlife adapt to climate change, 2) CO2 emissions targets based on what the best available science indicates is needed to avoid the worst impacts of global warming, and 3) protection of existing environmental laws, such as the Clean Air Act and
Endangered Species Act.

America's Hottest Species calls for global warming to be factored into all endangered species related decisions now made in order to help prevent species from disappearing forever.