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Arctic animals can survive in harsh Arctic ecosystems, but climate change is threatening their survival. Many Arctic animals live in Canada’s Arctic region, including seals, whales, fish and seals.
But climate change is rapidly affecting these animals. This article will explain how climate change has affected the arctic animals in Canada.
What does climate change mean for animals?
Climate change impacts many Arctic animals, including polar bears.
Arctic animals such as polar bears have certain features that allow them to survive in Arctic environments. Their Arctic-cold climate is kept warm by their black skin and white fur.
Scientists have drawn parallels between them, and marine animals like seals and whales that live in ice-covered waters. Spending some part of their life in the water does not mean they don’t need Arctic ice.
They are dependent on the sea ice to hunt, travel, and raise their pups. If the sea-ice melts, they will have no choice but to travel for food or live on land.
The WWF stated that climate change will have an impact on their survival. If no action is taken to address the climate crisis, then the polar bear population could drop to 30 percent by 2050.
Also read: What plans & actions is Canada taking to tackle climate change?
The walrus is an amazing mammal with enormous size and incredible tusks. It also depends on sea-ice for food, rest, and protection. Their living conditions are being disrupted by the warming Arctic and the rising temperature.
Reindeer use their hooves in the snow to find food. But, due to climate change and rising temperatures, the snow will become ice, which will make reindeer’s grazing easier.
Orcas are the largest dolphins in the world. These orcas could become starved if they are not familiar with the territory and experience rapid temperature increases and shrinking sea-ice.
Also, see: Could air conditioning be hurting more than it helps as heatwaves hit Canada?
Image credit: © 2022 Kalkine Media®
What do the experts think?
Changes in climate can have an impact on marine animals. Emily Giles (WWF Canada’s species expert) stated that certain species are directly or indirectly affected by climate change. Chinook salmon is the only food source for killer whales on the West Coast. However, the climate crisis has adversely affected these salmon and indirectly affected the survival of killer whales.
Arne Moers, a biodiversity professor who is also a member of COSEWIC expressed concern over the Vancouver Island marmot. This endangered mammal is Canada’s. Their numbers have declined over the years due to habitat loss, wolves, and cougars.
Climate change has impacted the marmot’s habitat. They live on mountain slopes. Marmots can be blinded by coniferous trees growing on mountain slopes.
They also need snow to hibernate during winter months. This can become challenging due to warmer weather. COSEWIC’s assessment and status report estimates that we could lose up to 97% of Vancouver Island’s marmot habitat by 2080 in the worst case.
Sea ice is essential for Arctic caribou, including the Peary Caribou as well as the Dolphin Caribou in Canada’s Far North. However, climate change is making them more vulnerable to warmer weather.
Caribou are known for their long-distance migrations. They rely on sea ice for food. Emily Giles stated that sea ice loss would have a dramatic impact on their migration and survival.
Also read: How does climate change affect Canada?
Bottom line
Compared to any other of earth’s regions, the Arctic is warming more quickly. Climate change is putting at-risk ice-dependent species such as walruses and polar bears.
We must reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We must save the habitats of these animals by reducing carbon emissions and our dependence on fossil fuels.
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