Over half of Michigan’s 242 bird species are at risk of extinction due to the impacts of climate change, according to a new report from the Audubon Society.
The findings were part of a report that found 65% of bird species in North America are at risk of extinction if nothing is done to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
Nat Miller is with Audubon Great Lakes. He said if a global temperature increase can be kept below 1.5 degrees celsius, species like the common loon can retain some habitat.
“But if we get to three degrees celcius or beyond it’s unlikely the common loon will find suitable habitat in the state of Michigan to breed,” he said.
The report underlines findings published in Nature earlier this year that 3 billion birds have already disappeared from North America since 1970.
Miller said the loss of bird species will be linked to a loss of numerous ecosystem services including pollination and pest control, but also to something more existential.
“People being born right now when they are in their 20’s and 30’s if they aren’t able to experience the call of the loon in summer in Michigan that’s a significant loss for our society,” he said.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Peninsula were particularly vulnerable to habitat loss due to rising lake levels, heavy rain, and fire risk.
According to Miller, taking action to reduce emissions could improve the chances of survival for 76% of those threatened species.
He said individuals can work to reduce their carbon footprint but ultimately Audubon believes large scale policy changes are needed.
You can find the Michigan specific Audubon report, which includes a list of threatened bird species, here.