Wildlife in the Face of Climate Change: Watch CFC India’s conversation with Dr Pratheesh C Mammen

Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing threats to wildlife and ecosystems worldwide. From the melting of Arctic ice to the desertification of grasslands, the relentless pace of global warming is fundamentally reshaping the natural world. 

CFC India interacted with an expert Dr. Pratheesh C Mammen, the State Programme Coordinator of the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority—UNICEF. The interaction is based on the theme “Vanishing Habitats: Wildlife in the Face of Climate Change” which underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges while inspiring collective action for a sustainable future.

Here’s the interview:

Here are some key insights from the interaction:

• When asked about the critical impacts of climate change on wildlife habitats globally, Dr. Prateesh said, “When the habitats are shrinking, there are biotic and abiotic factors that are changing, and these, directly and indirectly, affect the species and their assemblages. Climate change is exacerbating resource crunches in forests, with water availability becoming a critical concern. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns are depleting natural water sources, leaving forest ecosystems struggling to sustain themselves.” 
• “Another resource is honey. Honeybees, vital pollinators in ecosystems, are significantly affected by climate change. Rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns disrupt the timing of flowering in plants, creating a mismatch between when flowers bloom and when bees are active. 

This asynchrony reduces the availability of nectar and pollen, forcing bees to travel longer distances to find food. The added stress on bee colonies not only impacts their health but also disrupts pollination patterns critical for the reproduction of plants, including many crops. As climate change continues to alter ecosystems, the intricate relationship between honeybees and flowering plants faces growing challenges, threatening biodiversity and food security worldwide.” he added. Other impacts are:

1. Loss of Habitat: Rising temperatures are causing the polar ice caps to melt, threatening species like polar bears and seals that depend on ice for survival. Coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and coral reefs are also under siege due to rising sea levels and ocean acidification, which impair marine biodiversity.
   
   Hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, intensified by climate change, are destroying vast areas of forests, grasslands, and wetlands. These events not only displace wildlife but also hinder ecosystem recovery. “Hurricanes and landslides are often viewed through the lens of their impact on human lives, but their effects on wildlife and regional fauna remain poorly understood, highlighting a significant research gap. These natural disasters destroy habitats, displace species, and disrupt ecosystems, yet comprehensive studies on their long-term consequences for biodiversity are lacking,” said Dr. Prateesh. 
2. Shifts in Species Distribution: Many species are migrating to higher altitudes or latitudes in search of suitable climates. This movement disrupts existing ecosystems, often leading to competition between native and invasive species.
3. Altered Food Chains: Climate change is impacting food availability by disrupting the timing of flowering and fruiting in plants, as well as the breeding cycles of prey species. For instance, migratory birds arriving at breeding grounds too early or late may find insufficient food resources. 

• Dr. Prateesh emphasizes the need for International collaboration. “We need more global south co-operation because of similar geographical regions. Addressing climate-driven habitat loss requires coordinated global action, as the interconnected nature of ecosystems transcends national boundaries. International collaboration is essential to ensure effective conservation and mitigation strategies. Collaborative research and information-sharing enable countries to learn from each other’s successes and challenges.”
• Tackling the dual crises of climate change and habitat loss demands collective action at all levels—individual, community, and global. Effective conservation requires a multifaceted approach that integrates local participation, youth engagement, corporate responsibility, and policy advocacy. Empowering local communities to take ownership of conservation efforts often leads to sustainable solutions, as indigenous knowledge and traditional practices play a vital role in habitat management. 
• Engaging young people through education and advocacy campaigns is equally crucial, as school-based programs foster awareness and responsibility, cultivating a new generation of climate and wildlife champions. Businesses, too, have a significant part to play by adopting sustainable practices, reducing their environmental footprint, and investing in green technologies to drive systemic change. Meanwhile, public pressure and grassroots movements are essential in urging governments to prioritize climate action and biodiversity conservation. Together, these collective efforts can create a powerful force for protecting the planet’s ecosystems and ensuring a sustainable future.

Dr. Prateesh concluded the interaction by conveying that, “The interconnectedness between humans and wildlife is the foundation of a thriving forest ecosystem, yet it is often overlooked. Conservation efforts must prioritize this interconnectedness, encouraging sustainable practices and collective action to protect forests and the wildlife that sustains them. Without this harmony, both ecosystems and human well-being are at risk.”


Image references: 

Photo by Ion Seban
https://www.pexels.com/photo/yellow-and-black-bees-on-brown-and-black-textile-3194327/