Does climate change spell the end for animals? Adaptations prove otherwise

Climate change: not a myth for animals

Around the world, climate change is affecting animal species at a rate that is much faster than anticipated by researchers, according to a recently published study by the WWF. This ground-breaking report has collected data on hundreds of animals and shows an alarming pattern of unexpected repercussions that can be attributed directly to climate change. Experts believe that the problem is only the beginning stage, and could grow to be more serious than anticipated. This is incredibly vital information when considering animals that adapt to their environments.

Almost half of the 873 mammal species included in the report demonstrated a negative response to climate change, as have 23% of 1273 bird species. At this point, there is no escaping the fact that climate change will cause irreparable damage to our planet and almost every form of life it supports. 

How humans are weathering the climate storm

Technology is what sets human beings apart from every other species of animal on the planet, so it comes as no surprise that humanity would rely on technology to navigate the effects of climate change as well. The “greentech industry” as it has become known is booming around the globe, with more and more companies presenting innovative solutions to climate-borne problems such as floods, increased temperatures and natural disasters. While some are still demanding evidence for climate change, arguably the most progressive response has been turning to technology for solutions. From the latest innovations around infectious diseases to advanced weather forecasting technologies and even insurance plans that cover weather-related disasters, it is clear that humanity has adopted a brains-over-brawn approach to the climate crisis.

Survival of the fittest, even in the face of change

This begs the question: what does climate change do to animals? And how are animals, who do not possess the same technological prowess as humans, adapting to survive what promises to be only the start of a growing list of environmental challenges? 

The answer is simple: as they always have. 

What animals lack in technological skill, they more than make up for in natural resilience and ingenuity. When we as human beings face challenges, we rely on our advanced brainpower to think up solutions, and use our dexterous hands (with useful opposable thumbs) to construct what we need from the myriad of materials at our disposal. 

In the animal world, these same challenges are handled according to a different law: survival of the fittest. What this means is that only the strongest, healthiest animals that adapt to their environment effectively will survive what they are facing, and as a reward, they will have the opportunity to procreate and spread their superior genes. Following this simple yet efficient method, the majority of animal species have managed to not only survive but bounce back in numbers and strength following major environmental upheavals - and it has been this way since the dawn of life on our planet. 

The rise of the grolar bear

When considering the impact of climate change on animals, we’re immediately drawn to the grolar bear phenomenon. In 2006, a white bear with brown patches was shot by a hunter. Studying its genes revealed that it had originated from a grizzly bear mating with a polar bear. As the Arctic melts, polar bears and brown bears are spending more and more time in each other’s territories, and this has led to crossbreeding. Four years later, in 2010, another crossbreed was found, but this time it was revealed to be a second generation hybrid - a cross between a hybrid bear and a polar bear. This discovery revealed that the crossbreeding between polar bears and brown bears was not only happening more frequently, but that it was resulting in healthy and fertile descendants who were able to pass on their hybrid genes successfully. In this way, these two distinct species of bear, each with their own environmental adaptations, have created a new breed that could potentially survive in both climates. 

Migration optional

As temperatures worldwide continue to climb and seasons start to lose their trademarks, many migratory animals are opting to skip their epic treks across the planet for a season or more. Storks, for example, are now more sedentary during warmer winters. Because winter is milder than it used to be, they don't need to travel south as far or as often. Storks are, therefore, choosing not to migrate in years with warmer winters, choosing instead to breed earlier and take advantage of the warmer weather to raise more chicks. Incredibly, chicks that are born to non-migratory parents still retain their migratory gene and are able to complete their astonishing migrations when colder winters arrive. 

No water? No problem

As temperatures rise, water shortages follow. Many animals adapt to droughts and water shortages, but none has done so better than the lungfish. A species of eel, lungfish are usually found in marshes in reservoirs, but as these habitats are drying up, they have shown themselves to be just as capable of surviving on land. By repurposing their bladders to function as lungs that are capable of breathing air, the lungfish are able to wait out the dry season, as long as there is a moderate supply of mud available. Their natural ability to secrete mucus also protects them from drying out while they wait for water to return. 

How animals are teaching us to survive climate change

The resilience of animals and their capacity to adapt, survive and thrive for thousands of years is a testament to the transient nature of humanity’s own successes and comforts. Nature is their home and school and it is in such surroundings that they have thrived for centuries. Thinking beyond what caused climate change, we have a unique moment to observe what climate change causes, specifically in relation to animals. By observing these majestic creatures and learning from the way that they interact with their changing natural habitats, we have the opportunity to learn about ourselves and what we really need in order to survive. 

At JUST_NOK, we are inspired by the will of animals to survive and thrive in the face of adversity. They do not fight for superiority over nature. Instead, they live in harmony with their surroundings, adapting to what is around them, not using more than is necessary, and working in harmony with their environment. As a brand, we strive to not only protect the environment and reduce the impact of climate change on animals, but also to celebrate and emulate the sense of community, resilience and sustainability that we see in the remarkable animals that we share this planet with.

Our brand new line is a celebration of the capacity of animals to adapt, survive and overcome. Visit our online store to shop the African-inspired collection and join us in honoring our wildlife’s resilience in the face of change.