RSPB UK research findings claim that climate change is already having a detectable impact on birds across Europe.

Research shows recent population changes of certain species and their projected future numbers. These figures are intrinsically associated with climate change, with a number of common European birds, like the Goldfinch, affected.

By pulling together bird monitoring data from across Europe, an indicator has now been recorded to now have an official measure of the impacts of climate change for the first time ever.

The RSPB’s Dr Richard Gregory said –

We hear a lot about climate change, but our paper shows that its effects are being felt right now. The results show the number of species being badly affected outnumbers the species that might benefit by three to one. Although we have only had a very small actual rise in global average temperature, it is staggering to realise how much change we are noticing in wildlife populations. If we don’t take our foot off the gas now, our indicator shows there will be many much worse effects to come. We must keep global temperature rise below the two degree ceiling; anything above this will create global havoc.

Of the 122 species included in the indicator only 30 are projected to increase their range while the remaining 92 species are anticipated to decrease their range.

Dr Gregory added –

This new work emphasises again the role played by skilled amateur birdwatchers right across Europe in advancing our understanding of the environment and the growing threat posed by climate change.

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