CLIMATE CHANGE, INSECTS AND DECLINING BIRD POPULATIONS

I trust that readers have noticed that this Blog/Website fairly routinely strays from strictly local environmental disasters, calamities, concerns and battles. I've introduced topics as varied as invasive species (Emerald Ash Borer), wind farms and climate change. All of these are relevant to Woolwich Township however plus it gives both you and I a break from constantly criticizing two or three local bad actors.

Climate change will affect all forms of life on earth. Some lifeforms will survive and thrive and others may literally disappear. Massive research and studies are underway around the world into these issues. My own children are currently so involved although my son is just going into his fourth year of university study of Biology. He has however had two summers of working in the field assisting professors doing research.

The Waterloo Region Record had a story titled "Many Canadian bird species in decline: report" that they published June 27, 2012 (pg. A7). The numbers and percentages are quite disconcerting for a large number of species. Despite this as we all see regularily, ducks and geese are thriving. Other species are having issues with declining habitat due in part to "...destruction of wetlands, grasslands and forests...". Another probable cause for declines is climate change. While some insects will thrive with warmer tempuratures thus providing greater food for the insectivores such as swallows, swifts and flycatchers there is a downside. Climate change changes the timing of insect populations. They may very well be peaking earlier in the season and migrating bird populations haven't yet been able to adjust. Therefore if the birds arrive and the insect peak has passed before they are raising their young, there will be less food for the nesting young. This could well be a major cause for declining populations in birds.

The bottom line is that changes to our environment, most especially manmade (anthropogenic) changes affect everything. Yes we are constantly studying and learning but it is out of necessity, after the fact. "Minor" issues like DDT caused widespread havoc to raptors in the 1960's before we knew what the problem was. This lack of knowledge at the time is what is slowly killing the planet and lifeforms on it. Much greater caution is needed or as Dr. Henry Regier often advises, a greater reliance on the Precautionary Principle.