Impact of Global Warming on Wildlife - How You Can Help

March 29, 2016


The past decade has witnessed phenomenal changes in global climate. Drought in the southern hemisphere and floods in the northern hemisphere. A record rise in temperature or a sudden cold wave, heavy cloud bursts, bushfires, earthquakes, or severe drought; has resulted in significant changes to the Earth’s atmosphere.Livestock, plants, insects, and humans dying, either due to a sudden drop in temperature or unbearable heat waves. We are losing species, even before they are discovered and many of them hold vital clues for cancer cures.

However, the sad truth is that most of us take it for granted that any change in the global environment will be slow and will take ages to happen. Moreover, why should we bother when changes that may happen over a long period of time, not affect us immediately, but the future generations? Over all, were so casual and confident that nature would never let us down. Today, all that is old hat.

The inevitable man made changes is affecting the entire planet and think of it, there is no other planet so close that we can take shelter. We may call climate change by different names, but today no matter what you call it, global warming has emerged as a clear and potential danger threatening mother earth and all its inhabitants. The impact of global warming can turn forests into deserts and deserts inside jungles. The greenhouse gases have a direct bearing on increasing sea levels and also resulting in wildfires. Hurricanes and tropical storms has destroyed millions of acres of pristine forests and wood lands. Wildlife are in a confused state and several wildlife species are now changing their migration patterns and behavior.

Forests act as sinks for carbon storage. They approximately hold 650 billion metric tons of carbon. Each acre of forest stores roughly about 225 metric tons of carbon. Due to deforestation the carbon stored in the tree trunks combines with atmospheric oxygen and is released as carbon dioxide. Developing countries are fast turning towards industrialization and this will also lead to higher carbon dioxide levels.

The number of vehicles in the western world has reached the saturation point. Now is the time for the third world countries to increase their share of the world’s automobile market. It is no secret that diesel and petrol have high amounts of lead which are cause for great concern. Yet Governments worldwide have not shown the zeal to pump in money into greener technologies like the hydrogen fuel celled car or electric or solar powered vehicles which leave absolutely no traces of emissions or pollutants.

The very purpose of writing simple articles on nature and the environment is to assist people from all walks of life in developing an awareness and commitment to nature, that will go a long way in helping people take well-versed decisions and productive actions, concerning wildlife and our environment. We are certain that these pictures will come alive on your desktops/smart phones/tablets and help you develop a new appreciation for all wildlife.


Simple, Yet Effective Measures:

To make long term changes for wildlife and our environment, first and foremost we need to take personal responsibility for our actions.

The cardinal rule of 'NATURE' is to begin to understand that all life on earth is interconnected with a delicate thread of life. We need to see through the third eye, the symbiotic relationship between humans and wildlife.

• Read books and watch nature programmes.
• Work with local organizations that support wildlife.
• Try to arrange for a live demonstration, for example, non-poisonous snakes.
• Arrange for a community talk with leading experts in the field.
• Visit your local biological parks, especially on Earth day or World Environment Day and listen to talks from experts, as well as live demonstrations.
• Ask your elected representative to take policy decisions that safeguard nature, especially wetlands.
• Elected representatives often hold positions of power which could mean they have preferential access to information that enables them to prepare for disaster before it strikes.
• Elected representatives should share with citizens their vision for the environment and earmark a substantial budget exclusively for nature conservation.
• Try to sponsor animals and birds in biological parks and celebrate your birthday with them.
• Do not buy products made from wild animals.
• Do not buy live animal and birds taken from the wild.
• Keep writing to the Media on important issues affecting the environment. Even a simple email will help.
• Be more conscious about water usage
• Change to non-toxic cleaning products
• Support the recycled market (reduce, reuse, recycle)


Conclusion

All fingers point out that climate change is by and large driven by human activities. At no point of time has it been due to a natural phenomenon. As such a big experiment of nature is unfolding in front of us. Are we sensitive enough to read NATURE with respect?

Despite the fact that people living in the Developing or underdeveloped world, contribute the least to global warming, it has a hugely detrimental impact on people’s lives on an everyday basis. The outbreak of new pests and diseases, resistance of microbes to antibiotics, failing immune system, Droughts, and floods will be the order of the day.

The global warming effect can simply wipe away many species of wildlife and snap a vital link of nature. All have the right to live. This cardinal rule is fundamental to our existence. We need to stabilize carbon dioxide abundance in the earth’s atmosphere. The only sensible way out is to mimic nature. Firstly, we have to reduce the use of fossil fuels, which are nonrenewable. Biofuels are a renewable energy resource and most importantly ecofriendly, biodegradable and nonhazardous. They can also bring down the greenhouse emissions significantly.


Acknowledgement

These wildlife pictures of the Indian Sub-Continent were shot by Ashley Rasquinha, joint managing director, Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics, during his visits to different wildlife sanctuaries and his wanderings in nature. Ashley is a naturalist and brings out a calendar on wildlife each year to help people understand the value of wildlife conservation.

 

Dr Anand & Geeta Pereira - Archives

 

 

By Dr Anand & Geeta Pereira
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Comment on this article

  • anita britto, Mangalore/Auckland

    Sun, Apr 10 2016

    Brilliant write-up with excellent photographs imploring every reader to start paying attention to the changes that have affected our entire planet. The simple and effective solutions outlined are all little tasks which are doable.

    Year after year, we hear about so many natural calamities – either floods or drought, hurricanes or fires – all a result of the reckless action or inaction of the human species. The media reports weather anomalies and is quick in popularising terms like “ Polar Vortex”, and “El nino” conditions, however they are more interested in dishing up some juicy celebrity gossip than educating people about the record loss or Arctic ice which is causing the weird weather patterns. Changes in the location of the jet stream which regulate weather patterns is going to have adverse effects which would particularly affect all the low lying areas worldwide.

    Articles like this most certainly have a mind-blowing effect and raise awareness to act in haste to save our planet.

  • Narayana holla, Ujire

    Mon, Apr 04 2016

    Great article sir. I really liked it. Thank you for writing such a nice and meaningful article.
    I hope this helps people to plant more trees and create an eco friendly environment.

  • jimmy noronha, Bellore, Lucknow

    Sun, Apr 03 2016

    Very beautiful article backed by some extremely relevant pictures and this article couldn’t have come even a second later. Sadly this is all because of human callousness and yet there does not seem to be counter measure to stem the global warming. I wish all countries take a leaf out of what Bhutan is doing and it appears there is virtually negative carbon effect there thanks to the ruler and the equally zealous subject. You see, I have been on this morning walk ever since I retired in 1999 and every year Dec. thru Feb. my walk is erratic due to extreme cold in Lucknow (around 4-6 degrees C at early hours -5 a.m.) but this year in February, I had no problem as this February was the hottest in hundred years in Lucknow, - that’s global warming effect for you.

  • Urvashi Sampathkumar, Mangalore

    Sun, Apr 03 2016

    Excellent article sir..
    Wonderful message by a amazing person.. We will do all the best to save the nature..

  • Vimala Frank, Bombay

    Sun, Apr 03 2016

    Well done anand. The photography ia excellent. Write up is excellent. We should all be aware of our environment and this write up inspires us to do something . Keep it up Anand and Geeta. Looking forward to these type of informative articles. Thank you once again

  • Raymond, Dallas

    Sun, Apr 03 2016

    Thank you for your latest article on wild life. It has been well written.
    From time to time I go through your other articles too which are a good read.

  • Ashley Rasquinha, Pune

    Sat, Apr 02 2016

    Dear Anand,
    Wonderfully said and presented. I sincerely hope that your article inspires many to take heed of the present "global warming" crisis and play our small parts by following the simple pointers you have given.

  • CHARLES SALDANHA, MALAD-MALWANI

    Fri, Apr 01 2016

    IF THE SAME TREND CONTINUES I DOUBT COMING GENERATION WILL HAVE TO SEE ONLY PICTURES OF THE ANIMALS WHICH ARE PART OF THIS UNIVERSE.

  • Joe Britto, Nakre/Bangalore

    Thu, Mar 31 2016

    Dear Dr Anand and Dr Geetha,

    Thanks once again for such a wonderful reminder and creating awareness of way things are going for Wild Life.

    Amongst all creations, it's only Man that can really make or break nature. No creation can wield as much power as man to protect wild life and nature which is clearly showing the scars of the harmful effects of Climate Change and Global Warming . The Pictures by Ashley Rasquinha are truly amazing and at times we wonder if the next generation will even get to click such colourful pictures in the wild !

    The need is truly for concerted action to not just protect wild life and natural Forests , but also for those in position to ensure use of sustainable resources and renewable forms of energy to the maximum extent possible and reduce harmful emissions to the minimum.

    Nature they say will finds it's level , but unless man corrects the course of his action, the level that Nature may be forced to stoop to finally is a frightful thought indeed !

  • joan lobo, kadri, mangalore

    Thu, Mar 31 2016

    When you present nature .. its magical and this is an excellent article... I wish your article inspires one and all to consider nature as precious as human life.. If we dont value nature we are asking for trouble..Thank you Drs. Anand and Geetha for your constant and continued efforts towards respecting and preserving nature.

  • Henry and Jacintha Mathias, Kinnigoli.

    Thu, Mar 31 2016

    The article 'Impact of Global Warming on Wild Life' is eye opener and a pointer to the 'Disaster in waiting'.
    Unless timely action is not taken the beautiful creations of the Creator are going to be extinct soon.
    Thank you Dr. Anand and Madam Geetha for the excellent article.

  • Sanke joy ujire, Ujire

    Wed, Mar 30 2016

    Well said Dr. Anand Pereira. I appreciate your words.
    Our ancestors dreamt of a better future and planted trees and have protected them. But the present generation is not thinking about the future and they are neglecting the environment. They are destroying the environment. We are experiencing the rage of the sun in this summer. The 40° celcius in our place itself is unbearable. In this situation we have to question ourself that are we going to survive the heat if it increases more than 40° in the coming years.
    In the end what i would like to suggest the young generation or the upcoming generation is that, plant trees for your own good. Think of the future. Think of your parents and children. Think what they have done for you and think what you have to do for the coming ones. Be good and do good for the environment.
    I salute Dr. Anand Pereira for spending his time in writing such a meaningful article.
    Sir has given a great message for the young generation. We are proud to have such a nature lover like him.

  • Romola Pereira, Sakleshpur/mangalore

    Wed, Mar 30 2016

    Yes, Global warming is the talk of the day.It is good to see that the global community is tackling green house effect's in a serious manner
    However, the most important change should come from individuals, starting at their home's.

  • Melita DSouza, Mangalore/ UAE

    Wed, Mar 30 2016

    Dr. Anand and Geet… beautiful article and such a wonderful message that is absolutely relevant today. I hear everyone complaining about the weather in Mangalore and how unbearable it is.
    The USP of your article is the practical tips you have offered to accept onus and be the change we want to see.
    Lovely pictures too!

  • John B. Monteiro, Bondel Mangalore

    Wed, Mar 30 2016

    Excellent presentation.Very purposive and focuses. Photo support by Ashley is apt and impressive.
    I hope high schools and colleges invite the writer couple for talk and power point presentations and they find time to respond.
    I am a long-time admirer of the photo-illustrated articles by the couple. But, this one goes beyond information/education and gets into the realm of action. Pl keep up the good work.

  • sudhir .p, Derebail/ Muscat

    Tue, Mar 29 2016

    A very beautiful article, a real wake up call. We need to leave our comfort zone, go out to these plantations & forest reserves to experience the change that we have done to the enviornment & its habitat.
    Its late, but never too late to do our bit...Grow more trees ........

  • Lyra Pinto, Mangalore

    Tue, Mar 29 2016

    Went through your article and I truly agree with you on this climatic change. You have done a thorough research Anand. A good eye opener.

  • Allen Pais, Brisbane

    Tue, Mar 29 2016

    Dear Dr Anand.

    Salute you for this excellent article,Which ever way you interprate,all your articles have immense depth in relation to Enviornment,Thanks again for this wonderfull contribution-Allen Pais(Brisbane)

  • R.Bhandarkar, Mangaluru

    Tue, Mar 29 2016

    Seems to be precious 'calm' out there,Doctor Anand and Geeta Madam
    even when you describe 'Wildlife'.
    Not so much so when we read the other articles here which are supposed to be related to the civilized....
    And we believe that we have come a long way!
    Kudos- Keep writing and enlightening.

  • Mohan Frank, Mangalore / Mumbai

    Tue, Mar 29 2016

    Dear ATP, wonderful article to create awareness among all of us.Yes we should take this issue seriously before it becomes too late to save our mother earth.
    Lovely amazing crystal clear images by Ashley which shows the virtual reality of the wild animals in the pictures.

  • sandeep, ujire

    Tue, Mar 29 2016

    So rightly said. It is this earth where our great grand parents lived, it is where our parents and us are living and it is where our children and grand children are going to live. So it is our own responsibility to look after and safeguard this environment. Lets do the maximum good that we can do to our planet.
    Lets see our mother nature with respect. Support wildlife programmes with your own interest.
    In the end all i would like to say is its our nature, lets nurture and handle this nature with love and care.


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