The alarming rate of species extinction is a pressing issue that affects the health and sustainability of our planet. In fact, according to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), nearly one million animal and plant species are at risk of extinction. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, which serves as a crucial tool for monitoring species conservation status, currently includes over 14,000 species as threatened due to climate change.

Bramble Cay Melomys
The Bramble Cay melomys was a small rodent that was native to the tiny island of Bramble Cay in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Its extinction is a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of rising sea levels on biodiversity. The island, which was once home to this unique species, is now largely underwater, and the melomys is the latest casualty of this ongoing environmental disaster.

• The Bramble Cay melomys was a small, nocturnal rodent that lived on the island.
• Its diet consisted mainly of seeds, fruits, and leaves.
• The species was threatened by the rising sea levels, which eventually led to its extinction.

The loss of the Bramble Cay melomys serves as a stark warning of the consequences of climate change. Rising sea levels, which are a direct result of global warming, are not only eroding coastlines but also causing the extinction of unique species like the Bramble Cay melomys.

Golden Toads
The golden toad was a species of frog that was native to the cloud forests of Costa Rica. Its survival and reproduction were heavily dependent on the right amount of rainfall, which is a critical component of the ecosystem. Unfortunately, shifting weather patterns made it impossible for the golden toad to reproduce, ultimately leading to its extinction.

“The golden toad’s decline is a classic example of how climate change can have devastating effects on ecosystems.”
— Dr. Maria Elena Rodriguez, amphibian biologist

The golden toad’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of preserving biodiversity. The species’ reliance on specific weather patterns highlights the delicate balance of ecosystems and how climate change can disrupt this balance, leading to catastrophic consequences.

Corals
Corals provide habitat and shelter for over a quarter of all marine life. However, coral reefs are declining at an alarming rate due to mass bleaching events, disease outbreaks, rising ocean temperatures, and increased ocean acidification. These factors are not only affecting the health of coral reefs but also having a ripple effect on the entire ecosystem.

• Mass bleaching events are caused by rising ocean temperatures.
• Disease outbreaks are caused by pollution and poor water quality.
• Increased ocean acidification is caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

The decline of coral reefs is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. The loss of these underwater ecosystems will have far-reaching consequences for marine life and the planet as a whole.

Chinook Salmon
The Chinook salmon is a highly prized fish species that is native to the Pacific coast of North America. However, its population is declining due to reduced snowfall, glacier melt, and rising ocean temperatures. These factors are disrupting the salmon’s life cycle, making it difficult for the species to survive.

1. Reduced snowfall is reducing the amount of water available for the salmon.
2. Glacier melt is altering the river’s temperature and flow.
3. Rising ocean temperatures are affecting the salmon’s migration and spawning habits.

The Chinook salmon’s decline is a wake-up call for the importance of preserving freshwater ecosystems. The species’ reliance on a stable temperature and flow regime highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect these critical habitats.

Green Sea Turtles
Green sea turtles are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List due to rising temperatures during egg incubation on nesting beaches. This phenomenon is causing overall population instability and imbalances in sex ratio. The turtles’ eggs are being exposed to warmer temperatures, which can lead to abnormal development and reproductive failure.

• The turtles’ eggs are being exposed to warmer temperatures during incubation.
• This can lead to abnormal development and reproductive failure.
• The turtles’ population is unstable due to the sex ratio imbalance.

The plight of the green sea turtles serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change. The species’ vulnerability to rising temperatures highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures. In conclusion, the extinction of these five animals due to climate change is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. The loss of these species is not only a tragedy but also a warning sign for the devastating consequences of climate change on our planet. It is essential that we take action to reduce our carbon footprint, preserve biodiversity, and protect ecosystems from the impacts of climate change. Only through collective action can we mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure the long-term survival of our planet’s precious species.