Extreme weather and nature: How climate change is hitting North Yorkshire’s wildlife
North Yorkshire’s moors, dales, forests, fields, and coastline have long supported a rich variety of wildlife. But climate change is now placing unprecedented pressure on our natural world. Rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events — storms, floods, droughts, and heatwaves — are destroying habitats and threatening the survival of many species.
Nature has always adapted to change, but the current pace is too fast for many plants and animals to keep up. Scientists estimate that since the 1970s, global wildlife populations have declined by an average of 69 per cent. Back in 2015, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned that up to 30 per cent of species could face extinction if global temperatures rose 1.5–2.5°C above pre-industrial levels. We are now on track to pass the 1.5°C threshold before 2030.
The impact is already visible. Shifting seasons confuse wildlife — for instance, birds arrive to breed only to find their food sources have not yet emerged, disrupting reproduction. Across the globe, disasters like Australia’s 2019–20 bushfires devastated nearly 19 million hectares and impacted billions of animals.
In the UK, nature is suffering too. According to the National Trust, the summer of 2022 saw rivers and streams dry up, harming freshwater species, while shorter flowering seasons mean less food for pollinators and birds. Closer to home, the recent State of Yorkshire’s Nature report by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust highlighted that in recent years hundreds of species have disappeared from Yorkshire and there are sharp declines in thousands more including much loved wildlife such as swifts and curlews.
(Image: Ann Shadrake)
As species try to adapt, their ranges shift — often northward — allowing invasive species to move in. One example is the Asian hornet, now found in parts of the UK. It preys heavily on native bees and wasps, posing a real threat to pollinators essential for food production.
(Image: PA MEDIA)
There is still time to act. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by switching to renewable energy, improving efficiency, and supporting conservation can make a difference. Restoring damaged habitats and connecting wild spaces will help wildlife adapt and survive.
North Yorkshire Council (NYC) is developing a Local Nature Recovery Strategy to create a joined-up network of nature-rich areas across the county to address our biodiversity loss but it is important that everyone has their say. The strategy is currently under consultation so you are invited to take part by firstly reading the consultation documents then by adding your thoughts and ideas (link within our website below or via the NYC website).
Meanwhile, local groups, within the North Yorkshire Climate Coalition, are working hard across North Yorkshire to help communities protect biodiversity and build climate resilience, as well as lobbying government to take the necessary action both local and national to ensure nature has the best chance to survive.
Our group, Climate Action Stokesley & Villages, is holding its AGM on 15 July. Join us to take positive steps for people, planet and nature. https://casav.uk/