A groundbreaking study from Oregon State University, published in May 2025, reveals that over 3,500 animal species face threats from climate change. The research, led by William Ripple, analyzed data from over 70,000 species, highlighting the vulnerability of invertebrates, particularly those in marine environments, due to their limited mobility.
Extreme weather events, including heatwaves and floods, can trigger mass die-offs, disrupting vital carbon and nutrient cycles. For instance, rising water temperatures have caused a 90% decline in mollusk populations off the coast of Israel. Similarly, a 2016 marine heatwave decimated 29% of corals in the Great Barrier Reef.
Call for Action
The study underscores the urgent need for a global database to monitor climate-related mass mortality events and accelerated species assessments. Ripple emphasizes that the IUCN's Red List primarily focuses on vertebrates, advocating for more frequent climate risk assessments for all species to enhance conservation efforts and inform policy decisions.