Climate Change Predicted to Alter Urban Wildlife in North American Cities

A new study forecasts significant shifts in animal populations in cities across the US and Canada by 2100, driven by climate change.

The study, analyzing over 2,000 species, predicts turtles, mice, and scorpions to become more prevalent, while birds, insects, and certain mammals may decline.
Researchers used citizen science data and machine learning to project changes under varying global warming scenarios, with cities experiencing differing levels of species turnover.
Cities like Quebec, Ottawa, and Winnipeg could see their species rosters nearly double, whereas coastal California cities may face the largest species losses.
Urban biodiversity is expected to undergo a major turnover by 2100, affecting local ecosystems and human-wildlife interactions.
The study emphasizes the need for ecological analyses and efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions to protect urban biodiversity.