The number of wild animals facing extinction or appearing on the endangered list is steadily increasing;the two main causes are climate change and pollution. These problems can be tackled by climate change mitigation and pollution reduction.
In my opinion, one of the problems causing them to become extinct is global warming. Since ecosystems are being disrupted by the alteration in temperature and precipitation patterns these days, leading to challenging survival conditions for many animal species. For example, rising temperatures in the Arctic are causing sea ice to melt earlier in the year and freeze later. This impacts polar bears, which rely on sea ice for hunting seals, their primary food source. As a result, polar bears have to swim longer distances to find food, leading to increased exhaustion, lower reproductive rates, and higher mortality rates among cubs. Moreover, pollution from various sources, including chemicals, plastics, and oil spills, contaminates habitats and harms wildlife. For instance, many surviving animals suffered from long-term health issues, including compromised immune systems and reproductive failures, demonstrating the devastating impact of oil spills on wildlife and their habitats.
These problems can be addressed by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable practices and renewable energy sources. To illustrate, a company can combat climate change by investing in solar panels and wind turbines to power its operations, thereby reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, a city government can implement measures to reduce pollution by enforcing waste management policies, establishing comprehensive recycling programs for households and businesses, and enacting stringent regulations on pollutant emissions from industries and vehicles.
In conclusion, human activities continue to pose grave threats to various species, pushing them towards extinction.