The evidence is growing that the earth is
warmer than ever before and that the impact of
climate change will begin in our lifetimes.
In the first of two special reports, KXAN'S
Dan Robertson looks at how scientists are
finding proof of global warming in some
unexpected places.
Dr. Camille Parmesan has spent 20 years
studying butterflies.
"I'm interested in impacts of climate change,
and it turns out that butterflies are one of the
best groups to study for that," Dr. Camille
Parmesan with UT Biology said, "And it turns out
that one thing that's very important to many,
many species is temperature."
Scientists often use small creatures like
these butterflies as indicator species because
they're very sensitive in small changes in
climate.
She studied a butterfly called Edith's
Checkerspot all over North America and Europe.
In many places, they are disappearing.
"What's happening is that at the southern
edge of their range, down in Mexico, they're
dying out even when the habitats look fine,"
Parmesan said, "Effectively shifting their range
northward and upward. And this is exactly what
you'd expect from the amount of warming that's
happened in the western USA."
It's thought to be among the first conclusive
evidence that global warming is effecting
wildlife.
"If you ask, 'Has there been a temperature
increase globally?' The answer is yes. If you
ask, "Will this temperature increase continue?'
The answer is yes. If you ask, 'Is this
affecting wildlife?' The answer is yes,"
Parmesan said, "The debate is really among
politicians. It's not -- the debate isn't within
science anymore."
If you'd like more information on Dr.
Parmesan's research and global warming, check
out Dr.
Parmesan's Web
site.
