Despite widespread evidence of climate change as a threat to biodiversity, multiple studies have suggested that government agencies are not adequately addressing this threat to imperiled species. We assessed climate sensitivity for all 197 animal species listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) with ranges overlapping the US and its territories. Sensitivity was determined by eight independent factors: temperature, hydrology, disturbance, isolation, injurious species, chemistry, phenology, and obligate relationships. We also reviewed documents by agencies that implement the ESA to determine whether climate change is identified as a threat to the species and/or included in management planning. We found that 99.5% of species were sensitive to at least one factor, and the agencies considered climate change as a threat to 91% of species, but planned management actions to address climate sensitivity for just 40%. This adds to previous findings from an analysis of endangered animals, revealing that shortcomings persist in US imperiled species climate planning.
As the Climate Adaptation Policy Analyst in the Center for Conservation Innovation at Defenders, Ted works to ensure that the federal government addresses climate change impacts and adaptation for wildlife and ecosystems.