How Climate Change is Impacting Animal Welfare

Mancini Wanda^*
*Correspondence: Mancini Wanda, Department of Wildlife Resources, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA, Email:

Introduction

Climate change has emerged as one of the greatest threats to biodiversity and animal welfare, affecting wildlife, farm animals and even pets. Rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, habitat destruction and shifts in ecosystems are forcing animals to adapt in ways that often lead to suffering, displacement and even extinction. While humans can take measures to cope with climate change, animals are left vulnerable to the rapidly changing environment. Addressing the impact of climate change on animal welfare is crucial for preserving species and ensuring their well-being [1]. One of the most devastating effects of climate change on animal welfare is habitat destruction. As temperatures rise, many ecosystems are undergoing drastic changes, making it difficult for animals to survive in their natural habitats. For example, polar bears in the Arctic are struggling as sea ice melts, reducing their hunting grounds and forcing them to travel longer distances for food. Similarly, rising sea levels threaten coastal habitats, putting marine and coastal species at risk of displacement [2].

Description

In forests, deforestation due to wildfires and human activities is forcing countless animals to flee their homes. Orangutans, for instance, are losing their rainforests to palm oil plantations, leading to starvation and increased human-wildlife conflict. Many species are unable to adapt quickly enough, leading to a rise in endangered and extinct species. As their habitats shrink, animals are forced into unfamiliar territories where they may face increased competition, predation, or human intervention, further compromising their welfare. The increase in extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, wildfires and floods has had a severe impact on animals worldwide. Wildfires, particularly in places like Australia, the Amazon rainforest and California, have burned millions of acres of land, leaving animals injured, homeless, or dead. Koalas, kangaroos and other native species in Australia have suffered devastating losses due to uncontrollable fires [3].

Floods and hurricanes also pose significant threats to both wild and domestic animals. Floodwaters can wash away nests, burrows and food sources, making survival difficult for many species. Livestock and pets are often left behind or stranded during natural disasters, facing hunger, injury, or death. Rescue efforts for animals during disasters remain a challenge, as resources are often stretched thin and many animals do not receive the necessary aid in time. Climate change is altering ecosystems in ways that directly affect food availability for animals. Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns impact plant growth, leading to food shortages for herbivorous animals, which in turn affects carnivorous species that rely on them for sustenance. In Africa, prolonged droughts have led to mass deaths of elephants, zebras and other species that depend on waterholes and lush vegetation.

Marine life is also suffering due to warming oceans and ocean acidification. Coral reefs, which serve as habitats and breeding grounds for countless marine species, are being destroyed by rising sea temperatures. This leads to a decline in fish populations, affecting the entire food chain, from small fish to large predators like sharks and whales. Many seabirds that rely on fish as a food source are facing starvation due to declining fish stocks [4]. Climate change is also contributing to the spread of diseases that impact both wild and domestic animals. Warmer temperatures create ideal conditions for the growth and expansion of disease-carrying insects such as mosquitoes, ticks and fleas. These parasites transmit deadly illnesses, including malaria, Lyme disease and avian flu, which can wipe out animal populations and affect livestock and pets. Farm animals, particularly those kept in large numbers, are at risk of heat stress due to rising temperatures. Heat stress can lead to lower milk production in cows, reduced egg-laying in chickens and increased mortality rates in pigs and other livestock. The spread of diseases in factory farms is also exacerbated by the warm and humid conditions created by climate change [5].

Conclusion

Many animals rely on seasonal migration to find food, breed and escape extreme weather conditions. However, climate change is disrupting these migration patterns, leading to reduced breeding success and population declines. Birds, for example, are arriving at their breeding grounds earlier or later than usual due to shifting weather conditions, causing mismatches in food availability. This affects their ability to raise healthy offspring, leading to a gradual decline in bird populations. Similarly, marine animals such as sea turtles are struggling as rising temperatures affect their nesting sites. The temperature of sand where sea turtles lay their eggs determines the sex of hatchlings. With increasing temperatures, more female hatchlings are being born, leading to an imbalance in male-to-female ratios and threatening future population stability.

Acknowledgment

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

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