Photo: jet propulsion, by ucumari (Set)
Der Spiegel: Polar Bears for the South Pole?
“Schwartz and a number of his colleagues have published a study that asks a radical question: If certain animals and plants are unable to flee rising temperatures, should we help them? “One obvious solution,” Schwartz says, “is to help species at risk move to new environments where they may thrive.” The truth is that animals and plants are already reacting to global warming, most of them migrating northward. Butterflies and bats are moving toward the poles. Scarlet dragonflies and praying mantises are becoming prevalent in southern Germany. Ospreys and house martins have begun wintering in the Mediterranean instead of Africa.
These changes are not necessarily a bad thing. “Many species benefit from climate change,” says Reichholf. For instance, cranes and bald eagles, both considered endangered or threatened species until now, would encounter better living conditions in a warmer Europe. Pests like the bark beetle are feeling increasingly comfortable in northern latitudes. Elk and wild boar are expanding their range as favorite foods become more abundant.
But biologists calling for quick and decisive action are worried about species physically prevented from moving to new habitats.”
