A worrying new report indicates that all migratory species face risks from rising global temperatures, presenting consequences for us all.
What is happening?
In February 2025, the United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) brought together more than 70 experts in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. In a workshop, they explored how rising global temperatures, extreme weather and changing water systems are negatively impacting migratory animals by altering travel ranges, reducing habitats and endangering delicately balanced ecosystems.
A report sharing the results of this call has now been made available. Workshop participants, including scientists, program managers, intergovernmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations, identified a variety of impacts.
In an early October press release announcing the report, CMS described the North Atlantic right whale as “especially vulnerable” to these dangers. According to the report, the animals’ migratory patterns are diverting toward dangerous parts of the ocean, their food sources are declining and their reproduction rates are declining due to warming seas. Human activity (such as hunting, pollution, and ship noise) appears to be a contributing factor.
Conflicts between humans and migratory elephants have also increased due to shrinking elephant habitats. And marine heat waves combined with rising sea levels have posed challenges for seagrasses, which feed migratory sea turtles, as well as sequester carbon and protect coastlines.
Why are migratory species important?
Migratory animals are particularly essential for planetary health, with the UN highlighting their key role in maintaining the world’s ecosystems by “pollinating plants, transporting key nutrients, hunting pests and helping to store carbon.”
As these species influence all the regions they regularly visit, impacts on any animal population can have huge ripple effects, demonstrating the major consequences of rising temperatures.
“Migratory animals are the planet’s early warning system, and they are in trouble,” Amy Fraenkel, executive secretary of CMS, said in the news release. “Climate change is having impacts now and, without urgent action, the survival of such species is at risk.”
In addition to the danger to migratory species, the interconnectedness of global ecosystems means that human health, waterways, food systems and local economies could also be at risk.
What can be done to protect migratory species?
Experts at the CMS workshop called for increased investment, knowledge sharing and global coordination to realize strategies that could save species as they move around the world.
“The case studies point to key actions to help species adapt to climate change,” Des Thompson said in a statement. Thompson advises the UN on climate and biodiversity issues.
“We need to share examples of successful work and practices, and this is especially important when we can work with indigenous peoples and traditional knowledge holders to come up with community-based solutions.”
Adopted in 1979, the CMS itself is a treaty that will bring together 133 countries and states, starting in 2022, with the aim of protecting species at risk. One of its efforts has been the conservation of the Central Asian Flyway, a flight route traveled by more than 180 species of birds.
Scientists are tracking current migratory routes and directing conservation efforts to these particular areas to help protect vulnerable species. In addition to promoting the transition to clean energy at the household, community, state, and federal levels to mitigate the risks of rising temperatures posed by heat-trapping pollution, volunteering in local conservation programs can help support animal populations close to home.
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