WELCOME TO OUR PRESENTATION PARTY!

Animal extinction
T H R E A T O F
C L I M A T E C H A N G E
GLOBAL WARMING AND ENDANGERED SPECIES INITIATIVE

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Global warming is projected to commit over one-third of the Earth’s

animal and plant species to extinction by 2050 if current greenhouse gas
emissions trajectories continue — a catastrophic loss that would
irreversibly reduce biodiversity and alter both ecosystems and human
societies across the globe. In fact, more than a million species may be at
risk of future extinction due to global warming, and we’re already seeing
the first extinctions.
 IN T R O DU C T I O N

The Center’s Global Warming and Endangered Species Initiative is aimed at

minimizing species loss from climate change.

On February 1, 2007, the Center filed a legal petition under the Administrative
Procedure Act. This petition, the first step in our Global Warming and Endangered
Species Initiative, was filed with six cabinet secretaries at the departments of the
interior, commerce, agriculture, energy, transportation, and defense, as well as
with the Environmental Protection Agency. The petition asks the administration
to adopt new regulations to take all possible legally authorized action to
counteract global warming and other powerful forces driving species extinct —
including improving habitat protections, addressing climate change, and
safeguarding scientific decisions from political interference.
IN T R O DU C T I O N

We were joined in the initiative by a diverse group of conservation,

scientific, and sportsmen’s groups from around the country who share our
concern that global warming and habitat loss constitute a critical danger
to our natural heritage. Almost two years later, just before the Bush
administration left office, none of the petitioned agencies had responded
to our 2007 action, so the Center filed suit.
IN T R O DU C T I O N

You may have heard of a climate change risk assessment for a city, state or
country—what extreme weather events it might experience, how global
warming could impact its economy, or how changes in its air quality could
affect people's health. But have you ever heard of such an assessment for
wildlife?
IN T R O DU C T I O N

"It's an emerging field of study, particularly the method we're using," says
Nikhil Advani, a senior program officer for WWF's climate change
adaptation program. "Conservation biology has traditionally focused on
historic threats to species, like habitat destruction and overexploitation.
And while addressing those threats remains vital, it's becoming
increasingly clear that we need to understand how climate change could
harm the various species we’re trying to protect."
ANIMALS AFFECTED BY CLIMATE CHANGE

P O L A R
B E AR
Climate change is the main threat facing polar

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bears. But we also know the effects are being
seen around the world. Now is the time we
must speak up and demand global action. “This
is a clear warning sign of the impact a warming
Arctic has on ice-dependent species like the
polar bear,
ANIMALS AFFECTED BY CLIMATE CHANGE

P AND A
G I AN T

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Infrastructure development (such as dams, roads, and
railways) is increasingly fragmenting and isolating
panda populations, preventing pandas from finding
new bamboo forests and potential mates. Forest loss
also reduces pandas' access to the bamboo they need
to survive
ANIMALS AFFECTED BY CLIMATE CHANGE

African
elephant
Facts. Once common throughout Africa and
Asia, elephant populations have experienced
significant declines over the last century. The
greatest threat to African elephants is poaching
for the illegal ivory trade, while Asian elephant
populations are most at risk from habitat loss
and resulting human-elephant conflict.
ANIMALS AFFECTED BY CLIMATE CHANGE

Tiger
Tigers have lost an estimated 95% of their
historical range. Their habitat has been
destroyed, degraded, and fragmented by
human activities. The clearing of forests for
agriculture and timber, as well as the building of
road networks and other development activities,
pose serious threats to tiger habitats.
 WHITEBOA R D PA G E
Why do animals and plants become endangered?

Habitat loss is the primary cause of higher extinction rates. Other causes
include habitat changes, over-exploitation of wildlife for commercial purposes,
the introduction of harmful nonnative species, pollution, and the spread of
diseases.

What should we do to protect endangered animals?

Protect wildlife habitat. Perhaps the greatest threat that faces many species is
the widespread destruction of habitat. Scientists tell us the best way to protect
endangered species is to protect the special places where they live. Wildlife
must have places to find food, shelter and raise their young.