Is Global Warming Shrinking Species? Jeff Amorello

Within in the past decade, environmental issues, more specifically global warming, have been at the forefront of our world's political, social, and economical realm. Arguments for cleaner energy, fewer emissions, and more recyclable goods have bombarded society in a way that is unavoidable, and global climate change has become a serious problem around the world. Unlike climate change in the past, it is evident that the more rapid than normal increase in global temperature has been caused by modern human activity.

Global warming is often headlined in the news with concern for political, social, and economical driven initiatives, and it is rare that one is informed on the effects it is having on the earth and its organisms. Unfortunately, this problem is too often ignored, and scientists around the globe are fighting to raise awareness. In an article titled, "Climate Change is Shrinking Species, Research Suggests," the reader is given qualitative data supporting how global warming is affected the size and number of certain species of animals.

The article lays out an argument not saying that one can walk outside and specifically notice species of animals shrinking in size, but that global warming creates a vicious cycle that will lead to smaller organisms throughout the environment. In summary, the cycle is explained as such; Many areas are becoming warmer and drier, and many plants are struggling to thrive. This plant growth is reliant on water, which is becoming more scare in subtropic areas. Droughts are increasing, resulting in more forest fires which reduces critical levels of nitrogen in soil critical for plant growth. These smaller plants means less food for the species that depend on them, meaning species have to look elsewhere for food. In turn, this will result in smaller species breeding smaller offspring, and finally, evolution will favor those smaller animals that can adapt to less food, and the globe will see an increase in smaller species.

After reading this article, I was skeptical as to how accurate the information provided truly was. Backed by only limited research, I find it hard to believe that this event is currently taking place.

Although I understand that human activity has most definitely impacted the environment in negative ways, I don't think it is possible for the few decades of pollution and mistreatment of the earth to have had that significant of an impact on the earth. Throughout earth's history, natural cooling and heating of the planet has occurred numerous times, transforming earth's surface and the species which inhabit it. Despite the fact that this climate change seems to be more rapid, I doubt that species size has taken a significant hit due to human activity. Conversely, the arguments proposed by the scientists writing this article do indeed make scientific sense. The lack of nutrients in soil that affect plant growth do have lasting impacts on the food chain, unfortunately there is not substantial enough evidence to bring this theory home.

Although we haven't debated climate change in depth in class, it is extremely relevant in earth science today. Global climate change, whether influenced by humans or not, is a real world issue our generation is faced with. Increasing knowledge about our planet will only help society adapt to the ever changing planet, and it is important for people to stay informed so humans are able to adapt to whatever nature throws our way.