Birds in Europe are already experiencing the damaging effects of climate change, including reduced ranges and populations, according to a new study released today. The disturbing realizations were drawn from data collected over decades from a continent-wide monitoring network and computer models forecasting the impact of global warming.  According to author Richard Gregory of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in Britain.

If we don’t take our foot off the gas now, our indicator shows that there will be many much worse effects to come.

I suppose “gas” would be the operative word, in the case of our need to curb greenhouse gas emissions.  The study suggest that three times as many species of birds will be threatened by climate change, than those that will benefit from even a small rise in global temperatures.  And while I suppose we could be happy about those that will do well in warmer conditions, I think we all better hope that swift action is taken to prevent the potential “global havoc” that the study predicts.
takepart with the Audubon Society’s efforts to help solve the climate crisis and protect bird populations.

Photo: lafleurerouge’s flickr photostream (creative commons)