In a new report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a project established by the World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations, found that 20 to 30 percent of all the world’s bird species are vulnerable to extinction due to global warming. The panel warns that if average earth temperatures rise by more than 2.5 degrees Centigrade, a rise in sea levels could threaten many low-lying areas which currently are vital breeding grounds for many bird species.

The panel recommends a concerted effort to preserve the world’s forests. Not only are these forests important bird habitats but they also remove a great deal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

The panel also warns that the rush to produce fuels from corn and energy from wind turbines could adversely impact bird populations. The report urges careful planning for such projects to alleviate any dangers to birds.

From Birder'sUnited.Com.