Science, Technology and Society

( How the climate change affect the animals)

Maridel Enage Beato

Student

Laarni Cemat Maraño Ladiao

Instructor
Introduction

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be
natural, but since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to
the burning of fossil fuels (like coal, oil and gas), which produces heat-trapping gases. Though we often
think about human-induced climate change as
something that will happen in the future, it is an
ongoing process. Ecosystems and communities
in the United States and around the world are
being impacted today. Global temperatures
rose about 1.98°Foffsite link (1.1°C) from 1901
to 2020, but climate change refers to more than
an increase in temperature. It also includes sea
level rise, changes in weather patterns like
drought and flooding, and much more. Things
that we depend upon and value — water,
energy, transportation, wildlife, agriculture,
ecosystems, and human health — are experiencing the effects of a changing climate.

Climate is one of many factors with the potential to alter disease states and is expected to exert an
overwhelming negative effect on the health of humans and animals (Rabinowitz and Conti, 2013). In
addition, several studies suggested that the increase of temperature might reduce mortality and/or improve
health and welfare related aspects in humans and livestock living in geographic areas with cold winters
(Ballester et al., 2011; Rose et al., 2015).

The effect of climate change on animal health may be either direct or indirect and may be due primarily to
changes in environmental conditions, which include air temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, and
frequency and magnitude of extreme events (i.e., heat waves, severe droughts, extreme precipitation
events, and coastal floods). Although this article focuses on the effects of environmental factors, it should
be noted that factors leading to the effects of climate change on health are extremely complex, involving not
only environmental forces, but also ecological and social aspects, economical interests, and individual and
community behaviours (Forastiere, 2010).

While animal production contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, animal health is also affected by climate
In 2021, the World Organisation for Animal Health nurtured links between animal health management and
climate change actions in response to this growing crisis.

Objective:

 To discuss how climate change affect animals

 To tackle about how we can prevent it from happening
 To discuss how we can help the animals
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?

“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.”

To that end, Advani has been conducting vulnerability assessments and recommending management
strategies for some of the most important species WWF is working on. Here’s a look at some of the key
vulnerability and resilience factors for those species—and a map of where they live today.

Polar Bear
Ursus maritimus

 VULNERABILITY Habitat specialists; rely almost entirely on the sea-ice

environment.
 RESILIENCE Opportunistic eaters; prefer seals, but will feed on whale
carcasses and even hunt walrus and beluga. Will prey on land animals
when necessary.
 IUCN RED LIST STATUS Vulnerable

Snow Leopard
Panthera uncia

 VULNERABILITY Susceptible to indirect impacts of climate change,

such as habitat encroachment by humans as a result of changing
conditions in the region.
 RESILIENCE High mobility across their large, mountainous range—not
bound to a narrow altitude or region.
 IUCN RED LIST STATUS Endangered
 Giant Panda
Ailuropoda melanoleuca

 VULNERABILITY Feed almost exclusively on bamboo

plants.
 RESILIENCE Can tolerate a fairly wide range of
temperatures.
 IUCN RED LIST STATUS Endangered

Tiger
Panthera tigris

 VULNERABILITY Very small population

size—thought to be as few as 3,200
individuals.
 RESILIENCE Live across a vast range of
habitats, from coastal Bangladesh to the
frigid Russian Far East.
 IUCN RED LIST STATUS Endangered

Monarch
Butterfly
Danaus
plexippus

 VULNERABILITY Heavily dependent on
environmental cues for reproduction, migration and
hibernation.
 RESILIENCE Have a short life span and fast
reproductive rate, which could aid adaptation to changes
in the environment.
 IUCN RED LIST STATUS While monarchs
themselves aren’t considered an endangered species,
IUCN recognizes their migration as an endangered phenomenon.
Green Sea Turtle
Chelonia mydas

 VULNERABILITY Very sensitive to temperature

changes at all life stages—for example, the sex of baby
turtles is determined by the temperature of the sand the
eggs are laid in.
 RESILIENCE High amounts of genetic diversity within
the species, which increases their chances of adapting to
changing environmental conditions.
 IUCN RED LIST STATUS Endangered.

African Elephant
Loxodonta africana

 VULNERABILITY Need 40-80 gallons of fresh water a

day, just for drinking.
 RESILIENCE Live in an incredible range of habitats,
from open savannas to dense tropical forests.
 IUCN RED LIST STATUS Vulnerable

Mountain
Gorilla
Gorilla beringei beringei

 VULNERABILITY Confined to a very small range

surrounded by human settlements, so they can’t move
elsewhere.
 RESILIENCE Not picky eaters; feed on everything
from fruit to flowers to tree bark.
 IUCN RED LIST STATUS Endangered
 Asian Elephant
Elephas maximus

 VULNERABILITY Prefer to eat native grasses and

other local plants that invasive species are beating out.
 RESILIENCE Live in a wide variety of habitats and
across a broad range of altitudes.
 IUCN RED LIST STATUS Endangered

Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus

 VULNERABILITY Very low genetic diversity

within the species could hinder ability to adapt to
changing environmental conditions.
 RESILIENCE Incredibly low fresh water
requirements—need a drink only every 3-4 days.
 IUCN RED LIST STATUS Vulnerable

There is already undeniable evidence that animals, birds and plants are being affected by climate change
and global warming in both their distribution and behaviour. Unless greenhouse gas emissions are severely
reduced, climate change could cause a quarter of land animals, birdlife and plants to become extinct.

Climate variability and change affects birdlife and animals in a number of ways; birds lay eggs earlier in the
year than usual, plants bloom earlier and mammals are come out of hibernation sooner. Distribution of
animals is also affected; with many species moving closer to the poles as a response to the rise in global
temperatures. Birds are migrating and arriving at their nesting grounds earlier, and the nesting grounds that
they are moving to are not as far away as they used to be and in some countries the birds don’t even leave
anymore, as the climate is suitable all year round.

A sea level rise of only 50cm could cause sea turtles to lose their nesting beaches – over 30% of Caribbean
beaches are used by turtles during the nesting season and would be affected. The already endangered
Mediterranean Monk Seals need beaches upon which to raise their pups and a rise in sea level could there
could damage shallow coastal areas used annually by whales and dolphins which need shallow, gentle
waters in order to rear there small calves.

Humans have already destroyed many of the natural migrations of animals.

The migratory journeys of Wildebeest in several African countries are stopped by fences. Changing rainfall
patterns are causing dams to be erected in some areas of our planet, not taking into account the migratory
fish and mammals that annually migrate up river to breed and spawn and water birds which rely on wetland
sites for migration are at threat from rising sea levels caused by human effects. On the other side of the
coin, the atmosphere is sucking moisture from the land at a greater rate than ever before causing severe
droughts in many countries which are now facing reduced crop production and major drinking water
shortages.

Although it is thought that no species has yet become extinct exclusively because of climate change, many
migratory and non-migratory species are expected to become extinct in the near future.

Their are few ways for us to help the animals;

Building Veterinary Services’ climate resilience

Climate change affects animal health in different ways. It alters habitats, water, and feed accessibility, but
also triggers fluctuations in animal disease epidemiology. Unusual severe rainfalls, for instance, may have
been associated with anthrax outbreaks in some areas of Europe, previously free of the disease for
decades. By disrupting natural ecosystems, the evolution of climatic patterns allows for dangerous bacteria,
viruses, fungi, and disease-transmitting vectors, such as mosquitos and ticks, to reach new areas where
they may cause harm to wildlife and domestic animals.

Increased temperatures in marine and aquatic systems also threaten fisheries and aquaculture. When
water temperatures increase, its quality declines as harmful algae proliferate, decreasing water oxygen
levels. This, in turn, leads to reduced feeding and growth, all of which can increase the incidence of
diseases.

For these reasons, climate change is inherently an animal health issue.

To ensure better preparedness and response to this global threat, the Organisation has increased its focus
on climate change. In August 2021, we published a Scientific and Technical Review to assist Members and
the international community in becoming better prepared to survive and thrive in the uncertain years to
come.

In October 2021, we have also raised awareness on how the control of animal diseases, such as peste des
petits ruminants (PPR), can contribute to climate resilience by co-organising a webinar prior to the global
climate summit (preCOP26). Healthy goats, that tolerate climate extremes and poor-quality forage, can act
as buffers for household consumption and income during climate shocks such as drought. Eradicating PPR,
which threatens over 80% of the sheep and goats’ global population, would be a key milestone: this is the
aim of the PPR Global Eradication programme.
Monitoring the effects of climate change on animal health

Surveillance is also key in responding to the challenges climate change poses to animal health. Our World
Animal Health Information System (WAHIS) helps strengthen the resilience of Veterinary Services when it
comes to addressing the health effects of climate change. By providing health data to anticipate high-risk
situations and respond with early interventions, WAHIS helps prevent and prepare for health events at the
human–animal–ecosystem interface. It also provides information to identify changes in the distribution of
diseases such as Lumpy Skin Disease (see below), as well as the associated drivers, contributing to reduce
vulnerabilities to the effects of climate change.

We encourage our Members to immediately report new outbreaks linked to climatic events, enabling them
to access timely information and better prevent the spread of animal diseases worldwide.

Lowering the carbon footprint of animal production

Preparing to face the effects of climate change on the animal health sector is not enough: at least 14.5% of
human-induced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from livestock production, according to
estimations from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Animals naturally emit
GHGs. And sick or dying animals as well as those not producing efficiently increase the production
system’s carbon footprint as they require medical interventions (veterinary visits), disease control
interventions (vaccination, culling and carcass management) and can lead to a waste of resources. In other
words: keeping animals healthy and caring for their welfare is critical for the environment.

In 2020 and 2021, more than 1,5 million domestic pigs were lost worldwide to African swine fever (ASF), a
highly contagious haemorrhagic viral disease. The ASF outbreaks caused tremendous animal suffering and
economic loss for farmers. Additionally, the resources used to raise the pigs went to waste. Greenhouse
gases were released while fewer animal products were made available for human consumption.

By implementing strategies for the prevention, control and elimination of priority animal diseases, the World
Organisation for Animal Health contributes to improving the health and productivity of animals, thus
reducing the carbon footprint of animal production. Building Veterinary Services’ climate resilience

Climate change affects animal health in different ways. It alters habitats, water, and feed accessibility, but
also triggers fluctuations in animal disease epidemiology. Unusual severe rainfalls, for instance, may have
been associated with anthrax outbreaks in some areas of Europe, previously free of the disease for
decades. By disrupting natural ecosystems, the evolution of climatic patterns allows for dangerous bacteria,
viruses, fungi, and disease-transmitting vectors, such as mosquitos and ticks, to reach new areas where
they may cause harm to wildlife and domestic animals.

Increased temperatures in marine and aquatic systems also threaten fisheries and aquaculture. When
water temperatures increase, its quality declines as harmful algae proliferate, decreasing water oxygen
levels. This, in turn, leads to reduced feeding and growth, all of which can increase the incidence of
diseases.

For these reasons, climate change is inherently an animal health issue.

To ensure better preparedness and response to this global threat, the Organisation has increased its focus
on climate change. In August 2021, we published a Scientific and Technical Review to assist Members and
the international community in becoming better prepared to survive and thrive in the uncertain years to
come.

In October 2021, we have also raised awareness on how the control of animal diseases, such as peste des
petits ruminants (PPR), can contribute to climate resilience by co-organising a webinar prior to the global
climate summit (preCOP26). Healthy goats, that tolerate climate extremes and poor-quality forage, can act
as buffers for household consumption and income during climate shocks such as drought. Eradicating PPR,
which threatens over 80% of the sheep and goats’ global population, would be a key milestone: this is the
aim of the PPR Global Eradication programme.

Monitoring the effects of climate change on animal health

Surveillance is also key in responding to the challenges climate change poses to animal health. Our World
Animal Health Information System (WAHIS) helps strengthen the resilience of Veterinary Services when it
comes to addressing the health effects of climate change. By providing health data to anticipate high-risk
situations and respond with early interventions, WAHIS helps prevent and prepare for health events at the
human–animal–ecosystem interface. It also provides information to identify changes in the distribution of
diseases such as Lumpy Skin Disease (see below), as well as the associated drivers, contributing to reduce
vulnerabilities to the effects of climate change.

We encourage our Members to immediately report new outbreaks linked to climatic events, enabling them
to access timely information and better prevent the spread of animal diseases worldwide.

Keeping animals healthy means resources are not wasted, lowering the carbon footprint of animal
production.

Partnering with UNESCO to keep an eye on the future(s)

As we face the threat of climate change, our future is filled with uncertainty. And with uncertainty comes
possibilities for novelty and innovation. We have always worked with our Members to build a better and
healthier future for animals and humans. Today, we are taking our forward-thinking approach further.

Since September 2020 and through 2021, we have partnered with UNESCO (United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization) to co-design the Futures Literacy Laboratories (FLLs). Futures literacy
addresses the need to better act upon an uncertain future by imagining the various scenarios that may
occur. Being futures literate enhances our ability to prepare, recover and invent as changes occur. For
WOAH, the FLLs present opportunities to sharpen our skills in imagining and anticipating a world
increasingly modified by climate change. This empowers us, and our Members, to look at the present
differently. By delving into stories and scenarios representing different futures, we can develop capacities to
anticipate complexity and uncertainty. Through the practices of foresight and futures literacy we aim to
become more resilient and reactive to identify actions that ensure global safety and health while preserving
the environment for future generations.
SUMMARY

Climate change is a main factor that affect the normal living of the animals. Because of the climate change
the habitat of all living things are affected especially the animals, their health was also affected in so many
aspects. “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.” Their are some animals that became endangered
and vulnerable like what Advani said. Their are a lot of ways or a few ways for us to help the animals. Like
by simply doing some segregation and stop doing things that can cause a climate change.

Assessment
Direction: Answer the following using T if it is true, and F if the statement is wrong and change the
underlined word.

1. The effect of climate change on human health may be either direct or indirect and may be
due primarily to changes in environmental conditions, which include air temperature, relative
humidity, precipitation, and frequency and magnitude of extreme events.
2. Greenhouse gas is one of many factors with the potential to alter disease states and is
expected to exert an overwhelming negative effect on the health of humans and animals.
3. Polar bear, African Elephant, and Cheetah are examples of endangered animals.
4. Animals have already destroyed many of the natural migration.
5. Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns.
6. World Animal Health Identification System (WAHIS)
7. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
8. Asian Elephant, Mountain Gorilla, Tiger, Giant Panda and more ate example of endangered
animals.
9. WWF helps prevent and prepare for health events at the human–animal–ecosystem
interface.
10. Climate change refers to more than an increase in temperature.
References

https://www.worldwildlife.org/magazine/issues/fall-2015/articles/animals-affected-by-climate-change

https://woah-report2021.org/en/engaging-for-climate/?
gclid=Cj0KCQjwwJuVBhCAARIsAOPwGASHxhl7kA5Yd1910_B0mZod2Vm5FHV_ZcqMhuzQ12sHLA08OX
vSpnIaAgMUEALw_wcB

https://academic.oup.com/af/article/9/1/26/5168813