Global Warming Means Fewer Extinctions?
Initial research indicating increasing temperature variation on Earth correlates with data showing the risk of species extinction is decreasing. But there are caveats, say the researchers.
While quicker temperature variations on Earth correlate with more rapidly shifting animal populations—and therefore a decrease in the risk of extinction—the risk of habitat destruction caused by warming temperatures remains an important caveat to research research. Study author Bernardo Garcia-Carreras said: “We’ve only looked at change in spectral colors. We’re not trying to say that climate change is great for populations.” The reason more rapid temperature variations may lessen extinction risk in the short run is that animals populations are quicker to return to favorable surroundings.
