Introduction

Global Climate Change has become the main issue of the 21st Century. Over the past 100 years the earth’s climate has warmed approximately 0.6 degrees celsius, with this figure set to rise to between 2% and 6% over the next 100 years. For a recap of global warming and a possible solution, see the video below:

Joking aside, this warming will alter habitats across the globe. In the northern hemisphere, where most  research takes place, species tend to migrate northwards or to higher altitudes.  However the landscape of today is much different compared to the post glacial period, as the presence of humans often provides barriers to migration. Species, however, do not react to average temperature rises, rather to regional changes which are highly specially heterogeneous (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Spatial variability in annual temperature since 1976 relative to 1961 and 1990 baselines (% degree per decade) (Walther et al. 2002)

Themes such as study of phenology, range and community shifts and ecosystem dynamics will be used to explore the consequences of the warming. Also considered will be possible genetic adaptations to global climate change such as changes in body size and natural events such as flowering and egg laying. This blog will explore how species will react to the changing climate and discover whether the earth will become Too Hot To Handle.

My interest in the area of biogeography, specifically species migration, stems from an enjoyment of studying a large range of species as well as how they behave. It is how species are located spatially and temporally as well as how they distribute that fascinates me. I also believe it is important for species conservation, as an understanding of species resiliency and adaptation techniques will help us protect future global biodiversity.

The main papers that I will be studying will focus on different species and their adaptation to changing climates including historical, modern-day and future struggles. I will also be examining the key themes of species migration modeling such as the bioclimate envelope as well as theories such as isolated refugia. The blog will follow a range of bird, animal and plant species.