<\/p>\n
WATCH<\/strong> … They Came From Climate Change!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The National Wildlife Federation created the Climate Invaders<\/a> report and accompanying video to bring attention to a very real problem—global warming giving a boost to some very unsavory critters<\/strong>, helping them settle into areas where once they were unable to survive. Some are creeping up from lower elevations and into warmer areas, while others are finding it easier to invade from foreign soil.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As climate change causes winters to warm and seasons to shift, a host of exotic invasives and destructive natives are marching their way into our lives at an ever increasing rate. These climate invaders will continue to spread disease, destroy valuable natural resources and push out the native plants and wildlife Americans cherish if global warming continues unabated.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n According to the report:<\/p>\n Milder winters are projected to increase the range of deer <\/p>\n But it’s not too late to stop the invasion. “To meet the challenge before us, Congress must pass climate Related Links:<\/strong><\/p>\n The future of freezing<\/a><\/p>\n Without affordable clean alternatives, South Africa turns to coal<\/a><\/p>\n
\ntick<\/strong> populations by 68 percent in North America by later this
\ncentury.
\nWithin the lifespan of a child born today, the range of the red
\n imported fire ant <\/strong>in the United States could expand northward
\nby about 80 miles and expand in total area by 21 percent as climate
\nchange makes new areas suitable for their survival.<\/strong>
\nPoison ivy<\/strong> is expected to become more “toxic” as a
\n result of increased levels of CO2 in the atmosphere.
\nIf summer precipitation declines significantly, this could expand
\n the amount of suitable land for cheatgrass<\/strong> by up to 45
\n percent, bringing increased wildfire risks with it.
\nSeveral species of the water-hogging salt cedar <\/strong>shrub
\n are poised to take full advantage of a changing climate in the western
\nUnited States, where water is already scarce.
\nAbsent the severe winter cold which kills over-wintering beetle
\nlarvae, pine bark beetle <\/strong>populations have exploded to
\nunprecedented levels across the Western United States, killing billions
\nof trees.
\nClimate change is likely to aid further range expansion northward
\n in the United States of the Asian tiger mosquito<\/strong>,
\nincreasing disease transmission potential. <\/p>\n
\n legislation<\/a> that includes a significant dedicated investment to protect
\n and restore the rivers, coasts, forests, and wild lands threatened by
\nclimate change,” says NWF’s Derek Brockbank.<\/p>\n