Climate Change Threatens Up to 6 Million Species with Extinction in the Next 50 Years

In recent years, the threat to biodiversity has become increasingly pressing, with more than 1 million plant and animal species at risk of extinction worldwide, according to a 2019 U.N. report.

Rising Extinction Risks due to Climate Change

New research has sounded an even more alarming alarm, predicting that as many as 6 million different species could face extinction within the next 50 years due to climate change. This threat extends to communities across the United States, highlighting the urgent need for action to protect biodiversity.

Impact of a Warming Planet and Unchecked Development

A warming planet and unchecked development have led to significant declines in species populations, posing a direct threat to humanity's well-being. The loss of diverse plant and animal life can have far-reaching consequences, affecting everything from clean air and water to the development of new medicines.

Efforts to Protect Endangered Species

Scientists are going to great lengths to protect and rehabilitate species decimated by climate change, using innovative and creative methods to safeguard biodiversity. From tracking endangered lizard populations in Arizona to saving critically endangered birds like the Puerto Rican parrot, diverse efforts are underway to ensure the survival of species on the brink of extinction.

Statistic on Endangered Species in the U.S.

The U.S. Endangered Species Act, established in 1973, provides federal protection for wildlife in danger of extinction. As of April 1, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists nearly 1,700 species as endangered or threatened, with almost 1,400 having active recovery plans. Despite the Act's impact in preventing the extinction of nearly 300 species since its passage, many species in danger of extinction are not yet listed under its protection.

Biodiversity Threat at the Local Level

Alarmingly, nearly every county in the U.S. is home to at least one species in danger of disappearing from the planet, emphasizing the widespread nature of the biodiversity crisis. In Hawaii, nearly 500 species are listed as endangered or threatened, with the majority being flowering plants, including the iconic ma'o hau hele, the state's native yellow hibiscus flower. California follows with almost 300 endangered or threatened species, driven largely by the presence of various flowering plants.