Climate Change
In the past 100 years, global temperatures have increased by about .6 degrees Celsius and projected to rise at increasing rates in the future (IPCC 2001). Sea level rise, ocean acidification, and changes in storms, ocean currents and rainfall are all consequences of this global climate change (Walther et al. 2005). These factors impact individuals and ecosystems alike, resulting in a shift in species distribution toward the poles, alterations in mating and migration seasons, and loss of habitat that many species depend on for survival (Poloczanska et al. 2007). Studies estimate that as much as one third of all terrestrial species could be in danger of becoming extinct (Thomas et al. 2004). These global changes in climate could have a particularly catastrophic affect on the Loggerhead turtle.
Figure 2: The graph shows that average annual temperatures on Earth's surface have rose since 1980 and will continue to rise at an increasing rate.
Figure 2 image found at <http://www.universetoday.com/51824/scientist-discusses-latest-report-of-rising-global-temperatures/ >.
Header Image found at http://surfspots-gps.com/sea-turtles-in-danger-rule-to-be-challenged-in-honolulu-court> by Steve Turek in 1998.
Header Image found at http://surfspots-gps.com/sea-turtles-in-danger-rule-to-be-challenged-in-honolulu-court> by Steve Turek in 1998.