British research predicts puffins will decline significantly by 2050
Researchers foresee a sharp puffin population drop by mid-century, blaming climate change. A nature historian's new book also explores how humans once hunted the seabirds and how technology could help them survive.
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What happened
The British Trust for Ornithology has forecast a steep fall in puffin numbers by 2050, linking the drop to climate change. A Guardian extract from a new book by a nature historian traces how people long exploited puffins for food and feathers. It also looks at ways technology might aid the bird's survival.
Why it matters
The forecast points to a significant population loss for the seabird. The nature historian argues that technology may offer a way to help puffins endure.
Timeline
- Oct 16, 3:00 AM ET: The British Trust for Ornithology published research predicting a significant puffin decline by 2050.
- Oct 17, 7:00 AM ET: The Guardian published an extract from a new book on how the puffin became a symbol of the climate crisis.
Coverage
- How the quirky puffin became a symbol of the climate crisis (The Guardian)
- Britain's Puffins Among Seabirds at Risk from Climate Change (insideecology.com)
- ‘Significant’ decline in puffins predicted due to climate change (shetnews.co.uk)
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