Samantha Nurse, Web and Social Media Coordinator

Who exactly are these messengers? Birds of course. Birds are one of the best-studied class of species and therefore are able to provide us with information about the overall effects of human-caused climate change.

As the world leaders all gather in Paris for the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference, it is important to discuss the impacts on nature caused by rising global temperatures and more extreme weather.

Photo of a Semipalmated Sandpiper

First of all, climate change seriously threatens bird species as well as humans according to a report published today by Birdlife International and the National Audubon Society. The Messengers report goes through the various possible ways in which birds will feel an impact. These impacts could include: shrinking ranges; population declines; new competitors or predators; and increased disease. All of this means higher risks of extinction for some species.

Humans populations could also experience the loss of homes, shortages of food and fresh water, and increase of disease from climate change similar to those of birds.  For example, it is expected that by the year 2100, 52 million people will be vulnerable to coastal storm surges.

However, there is a brighter side to this report, discussing the measures BirdLife International has already put in place to help birds and human communities. As well, the report brings out suggestions of what could be done for further protection for both people and nature.

For 75 years, Nature Canada has worked to protect habitat for species at risk in Canada and internationally. Nature Canada is the Canadian co-partner in Birdlife International and implements the Important Bird and Biodiversity Area program. With our work in this program, we want to preserve birds and their habitats so that we can continue to learn more from these feathered creatures.

Read the full report here.