Myth:

Species can adapt to climate change. They survived the various ice ages we’ve had in the past, so they’ll survive the current warming.

Fact:

Yes, species can and do adapt, but not quickly. When the ice ages hit and receded, species had thousands of years to adapt and/or move. This time they will only have decades or, at best, a few centuries, which will not be enough time. They will also be unable to move, as agriculture now occupies 46 percent of the Earth’s habitable land. 

There have been five mass extinctions in the past, with each resulting in the loss of over 75 percent of all species. Scientists believe that four of these events were triggered by climate change, mostly resulting from volcanic activity, which first froze the planet (due to increased albedo from additional particulate matter) then heated it (due to increased CO2). [The other mass extinction, 65 million years ago, was triggered by an asteroid striking the Earth. It resulted in the passing of the dinosaurs.]

[Source: Created using ChatGPT]

Some scientists believe we are headed for a sixth mass extinction, as a consequence of global warming. They suggest that we could lose up to 40 percent of all species by the end of the century if we cannot get our greenhouse gas emissions under control. If such an extinction occurs, it will take millions of years for the planet to recover.

[Source: Our World in Data]

Sources:

“Can animals and plants adapt to global warming?” Skeptical Science. https://skepticalscience.com/Can-animals-and-plants-adapt-to-global-warming-advanced.htm

Robin McKie, “Climate change is happening too quickly for species to adapt,” The Guardian, 14/7/13

“Will climate change outpace species adaptation?” McGill University, 4/3/21. https://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/channels/news/will-climate-change-outpace-species-adaptation-329263

Michael P. Moore, “Climate change is already forcing lizards, insects and other species to evolve – and most can’t keep up,” The Conversation, 22/11/23.

Brian Owens, “Can Animals Evolve Fast Enough to Keep Up with Climate Change?” Hakai, 15/1/25. https://hakaimagazine.com/news/can-animals-evolve-fast-enough-to-keep-up-with-climate-change/