A new study finds that climate change is threatening more than half the bird species in the United States. The National Audubon Society studied 588 bird species, including in Alabama. Of those, 314 could be forced to relocate as their habitats shift. Scot Duncan is an Associate Professor of Biology at Birmingham-Southern College.
Scot Duncan: “We’re looking at a tremendous loss of birds, and some species entirely, leaving our neighborhoods and the places that we like to spend time.”
The list includes Alabama birds like the wild turkey and iconic birds like the bald eagle. Suzanne Langley, Executive Director of Birmingham Audubon, says the list includes hairy woodpeckers, and white-breasted nuthatches.
Suzanne Langley: “For some species, they will not be able to successfully relocate and find productive habitat. So you know, it’s a grim picture in that perspective. But it also tells us that we need to be very strategic and more focused in our conservation planning.”
Duncan says one of the birds he focused on in the report is the scarlet tanager. He says it’s arguably one of the most beautiful birds in North America. And it’s only in northern Alabama in the summer.
Duncan: “If you look at the climate models, that bird will no longer breed in Alabama by the year 2080. Like, completely gone from Alabama, according to the climate predictions.
2080 may sound like a ways off. But Duncan says we’re already seeing the effects of climate change here in Alabama.
Duncan: “There are species that are moving into the south of the state that haven’t been there previously. We’re seeing rising sea levels eating into our salt marshes and other coastal habitats, and thereby eliminating habitat for our wetland species along the coast. So this is something that’s already been in process here for at least a decade.”
A report released last week from the World Meteorological Organization found that heat-trapping carbon dioxide rose at a record-breaking pace last year. But actions to curb climate change in the United States have met with resistance in Congress. The Environmental Protection Agency announced new limits on carbon pollution from existing coal plants earlier this year. They have yet to take effect. And the rules are almost certain to face lawsuits.
Suzanne Langley is the Executive Director of the Birmingham Audubon Society. You can hear an interview with her by clicking the audio below. Scot Duncan is an Associate Professor of Biology at Birmingham-Southern College and author of “Southern Wonder: Alabama’s Surprising Biodiversity.” You can hear an interview with him by clicking the audio at the top of the page.
