For ages, the incredible journeys of whales, birds, and many other species have been driven by seasonal changes and instincts passed down through generations. These migrations are essential for finding food, breeding grounds, and safe habitats. However, today these journeys are becoming increasingly disrupted. Climate change, conflicts, and human activities are not only affecting wildlife; they’re also threatening global trade routes and the ecosystems that support human life.
Trisha Atwood, an ecologist at Utah State University, emphasizes that nature has finely tuned the paths of migratory species. “But climate change is scrambling these signals,” she warns. A recent United Nations workshop gathered over 70 scientists who reported that more than 20% of migratory species, like whales, dolphins, and Arctic shorebirds, are at risk of extinction due to rising temperatures and changing environments. For instance, as drought intensifies, Asian elephants are retreating to higher ground, leading to increased conflicts with humans.
Meanwhile, global shipping is feeling the strain. According to data from Oilprice.com, 80 to 90% of global trade is carried by sea, making it highly vulnerable to disruptions. In late 2023, conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and rising tensions in the Red Sea affected major shipping corridors, while droughts have diminished the water levels in the Panama Canal. This has forced delays and burdened shipping costs, causing a cascading effect on global commerce.
The Suez Canal alone processed 22% of global container trade in 2023, generating significant revenue for Egypt. However, the following year, security concerns led to a dramatic decrease in revenues. Moreover, ships have been rerouted around Africa, further increasing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Just a 1% rise in a ship’s speed can spike fuel usage by 2.2%, highlighting the environmental repercussions of these disruptions.
Interestingly, climate change is also presenting new opportunities. Melting sea ice is unveiling Arctic routes that could shorten the journey between East Asia and Europe by thousands of kilometers. In fact, China recently tested a shipping route through the Northern Sea Route, which might become viable by 2030. While this could decrease emissions, it also poses risks to fragile Arctic ecosystems.
A report released by over 160 scientists in October 2025 highlighted the dangerous reality of global warming, including major threats to coral reefs and rainforests. Marine ecologist Neha Acharya-Patel emphasizes how much we rely on healthy oceans for air, nutrition, and livelihoods. Sadly, coral reefs worldwide are suffering serious mortality rates due to climate stress events. In Canada, only two small coral reefs remain, both under threat.
Despite these alarming trends, there are reasons for hope. In 2024, the world added a record 582 gigawatts of renewable energy, allowing us to avoid significant fossil fuel expenditures. Innovations in solar and wind technology have made them more affordable than fossil fuels. Public opinion is also shifting in favor of clean energy; a UN survey showed that 72% of people worldwide support a swift move away from fossil fuels.
Challenges remain. Emissions from various sectors continue to dominate Canada’s landscape. While individual efforts like switching to electric vehicles are helpful, systemic changes in policy are crucial. Encouragingly, some ecosystems have shown resilience, with kelp forests and mangroves rebounding in areas where pollution has been limited.
As we approach the upcoming UN climate summit in Brazil, it is crucial to recognize the interconnectedness of species and shipping routes. The choices we make today will shape the future of our planet. We hold the potential to support nature’s recovery, but it starts with coordinated and immediate action.
