Scientists try to protect wildlife from extinction as climate change increases risks for species worldwide

From clean air and water to healthy soil and medicines, our survival and prosperity depend largely on the rich diversity of plants and animals that make up our world. A 2019 United Nations report found that approx. 1 million plant and animal species May be threatened with extinction globally. But new research finds that climate change could lead to the extinction of up to 6 million different species over the next 50 years, including in communities across the United States.

CBS News and Television discuss how Global warming Uncontrolled development is leading to a significant decline in species numbers, why this is bad for humans, and the lengths some scientists will go to protect life on Earth.

For some species, it’s already too late. For others, there are innovative ways to help restore species that have been wiped out by climate change. Scientists are using a range of tools to conserve species in creative and unique ways and predict future changes.

In Bisbee, Arizona, a scientist who has devoted his life to the study of evolutionary biology and ecology is tracking a 3-million-year-old group of lizards that are dying at one of the fastest rates ever recorded.

Another group is trying Save Puerto Rican ParrotsOne of the most endangered birds in the world, it is more destructive hurricane Endangering the parrot’s ecosystem.

See more stories about how groups are working to save certain species

More stories will be added above as they are published.

Number of endangered species

The U.S. Endangered Species Act 1973 and provide federal protection for endangered wildlife.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the primary agency responsible for enforcing the act, lists nearly 1,700 species are endangered or threatened As of April 1st. 1,400 kind There are active recovery plans on the list. New species are added every year.

A 2019 study estimated that the Endangered Species Act prevented species from nearing extinction 300 kinds ever since it passed.

But not all endangered species are listed. A 2016 study found that typically, species wait 12 years Protection is available for those under review between 1973 and 2014.

Still, nearly every county in the United States has at least one species in danger of disappearing from the face of the earth.

Number of endangered or threatened species by county in the United States

Hover or click on a county below to see more information about species in the area.

Of all U.S. states, Hawaii has the highest number of species listed as endangered or threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, estimated at nearly 500 species.

Endangered or threatened species in Hawaii

By group:

This number is driven primarily by flowering plants, including the iconic state flower “ma’o hau hele,” or native yellow hibiscus.

California has the second-highest number of listed species, with nearly 300 endangered or threatened species. These include the San Joaquin Kit Fox and the Lange Metal Marker Butterfly. Like Hawaii, this number is high because there are approximately 170 species of flowering plants. The numbers are higher in coastal, central and southern counties.

Number of endangered species by county in California