The link between human-caused emissions of greenhouse gases and global warming has been well established by scientists since at least 1896, when Svante Arrhenius calculated that the effect of a doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide would be an increase in Earth’s surface temperatures of 5-6 degrees Celsius. Since then, burning of fossil fuels has led to a 50% increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide over natural levels. Simultaneously, temperatures have risen dramatically. Predictions that are confirmed by data, in the context of robust models of how nature works, are the hallmark of good evidence-based science.
These increases in temperatures have been predicted to affect wildlife populations, and data are confirming these predictions. Many species ranges are moving upwards in elevation and towards the polar regions, threatening to leave species already on mountaintops or at polar coastlines with nowhere to go. Earlier spring warming is leading to mismatches between dates of breeding and optimal dates for migration and food availability. More extreme weather events, another prediction of climate change theory that is confirmed with data, are impacting endangered populations of animals. These cumulative effects of global climate change are leading to greater rates of extinction.
The Department of Zoology is unified in its confidence that human-caused climate change is impacting wildlife populations as well as humans. The data in support of this conclusion, and their consistency with underlying theory, are overwhelming. The global extent of the impact of climate change on Earth’s biodiversity leads us to view the continuing use of fossil fuels with increasing alarm. We equally recognize that while there is no reasonable doubt about the reality of human-caused climate change, there is much room for fruitful debate about ways to mitigate, slow, or reverse such change and its negative consequences for biodiversity.
We applaud the student-led movement that is bringing increased attention to the dangers of unmitigated global warming. We call attention to the planned Global Climate Strike being called for September 20-27, with UBC and Vancouver events being planned for Friday September 27th. The Department of Zoology stands together with students and instructors who wish to participate. We are aware that the University is officially open on that day, hence it is up to each person to make the decision of whether and how to participate, and we are equally supportive of those who choose not to participate. For instructors, we encourage that accommodations be offered whenever possible for those students who do participate in the Global Climate Strike. Regardless of the decision to participate or not, we urge instructors and students to view this event as a possible learning opportunity, as climate change is increasingly affecting all areas of human endeavour. Furthermore, we pledge that the Department of Zoology will be discussing and implementing approaches to reduce and mitigate our own climate impacts.
Dr. Vanessa J. Auld
Head of Zoology
Dr. Douglas L. Altshuler
Acting Head of Zoology