Written by Zachery Woods, M.E. Society Board Member
Humans are currently facing a lot of challenges that are attributed to the climate crisis. It is predicted that many more tipping points will be reached this decade that’ll be a catalyst of increased environmental degradation and suffering.
Although we may not think of it commonly, we are not the only sentient beings on this planet. Think back to the stories you may know, per se of the Chimpanzees and Jane Goodall, the animal companions you have had through your childhood or the deepness you’ve felt while viewing a nature documentary. Many of these species are sentient, they experience feelings (although maybe differently than humans) and most importantly want to live free from unnecessary suffering. The current and future waves of crises will not just focus on humans. In simpler terms, the impacts of climate change do not just exist to harm humans, but also tie together the fates of non-humans.
It might be surprising at first, but birds are one of the animals that we encounter the most. We see them in the sky, in the trees, bushes and on the ground. We even
hear them throughout the day. The chance of being in their presence is quite high, no matter if you’re in an urban city or a rural farm. We very much coexist with one another. If we take a closer look at the challenges they face and how they are responding, it tells a story we’ve heard before.
The perils that humanity faces through environmental degradation, pollution in our air, food and water, and the heightened risk of disease are also faced in avian populations across the world. For instance:
Birds and amphibians are the two most vulnerable groups to climate change (Foden et al., 2013)
Around 90% of all bird species have seen a decline in population (WWF, 2015), with some already or approaching extinction (Foden et al., 2013)
Major habitat loss is reducing the viability of ecosystems, and is even hindering the essential ecological bird functions such seed dispersal, pollination and pest control (Sekercioglu, 2016)
Cumulative effects of climate change are lowering the overall health of birds and making them more susceptible to diseases and transmission (Li et al., 2022)
This rapid decline in bird health and the livability of their communities are not far off from our similar journeys as humans. While these are just a few examples of the challenges birds face, not all birds will be in the same circumstances. Many bird populations do not have a positive outlook, similar to coastal, low income or BIPOC communities. The same lack of protection and opportunity for a safe and healthy life, is the story that reverberates way beyond than human society alone.
These shared experiences and journeys, of humans and birds also reveal a story of
hope and optimism. While we are all experiencing varying onslaughts from the climate crisis, a few studies suggest that some birds are adapting to global warming, and furthermore, breeding, laying eggs and migrating earlier due to spring coming sooner (Scientific Inquirer, 2022; Radchuck et al., 2019). These point towards how some bird species are resilient and are also able to adapt to some factors of climate change.
The point that this article is trying to convey is that as humans, we can look to the species that coexist with us, and the similar challenges that we face. How we are capable of yes, being resilient and adapting, but more importantly, unlike birds, we can show action through our compassion and positively impact human communities across the world. Simultaneously, we do not have to let birds have their own destined fate, we can welcome them into our thoughts, and create actions that incorporate the holistic wellbeing of all.
So, every time you see a bird, you can now take a moment to acknowledge our similar struggles and our capability to survive, adapt and be more fluid for the future. Not because we want to, but because we have to. If any of these remarks prompted some internal feelings about birds or if you would like to know how to be a “birder” than check out The National Audubon Society page here!
Comments