WASHINGTON - North American wildlife species ranging from butterflies to red fox are scrambling to adapt to Earth's rising temperatures and may not survive, according to a study released.
Heat-trapping greenhouse gases emitted by vehicles, factories and other human activities have boosted Earth's temperatures by 1 degree F over the past century, the Pew Center on Global Climate Change said in a report.
To adapt, North American species like the Edith's Checkerspot butterfly, red fox and Mexican jay are moving to colder northern climates that suit their habits, the Pew Center said, citing 40 separate scientific studies.
With global temperatures expected to rise another 2.5 degrees to 10.4 degrees F by 2100, "future global warming is likely to exceed the ability of many species to migrate or adjust," the Pew Center said.
The Edith's Checkerspot butterfly has disappeared from many southern, low-elevation areas like Mexico, fleeing to colder Canadian climes, according to the report.
The red fox has also moved northward to clash with Arctic fox populations, in a trend spotted in many other birds, mammals, invertebrates and plants, it said.
"These responses may alter competition and predator-prey relationships and have other unforeseen consequences," it said.
Longer growing seasons for plants will also impact the Earth's ability to clean carbon dioxide from the air, the report said.
Alaska's tundra now emits more carbon dioxide than it absorbs because temperatures have risen by 4 degrees to 7 degrees F over the last 50 years, the report said.
Wildlife officials need to expand nature reserves and improve habitat conservation efforts to give species more flexibility to adjust to changing conditions, the report said.
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