Did you know that there are species who benefitted from climate change? 

With the rising pollution, uncontrollable emissions of greenhouse gases, and global warming, Mother Earth is endangered now more than ever. Apart from us, human beings, there are many other species which are living in danger, thanks to climate change. Many animals, such as the Arctic fox or the polar bear, are currently vulnerable as their habitats are melting. Similarly, with forests being cut down, mammals, marsupials and birds are also being threatened. In such a grave scenario, it has become the need of the hour to combat the climate crisis.  

But just like everything else has its pros and cons, there are certain advantages to climate change as well. In fact, some species have benefitted by it too. Surprised? Well, we too were. Let’s take a look at how some animals have reaped the benefits of climate change. 

Endangered corals 
If you keep track of the marine ecosystem, you might know that one of the worst affected species due to climate change are the corals. Many coral reefs have already been ruined due to rising and fluctuating temperatures, that, in turn, has caused bleaching. As some of you might know, algae live inside the tissues of corals and provide them with life-supporting nutrients. However, due to bleaching, corals are forced to spit out the algae, which affects their nutrition. While this is true for most corals, there is a particular species called table corals that are using climate change to help themselves as well as others. How? Well, these species have the power to resist bleaching. They have a hidden cooling agent that helps them to adapt to the warming ocean waters. As the temperature rises, their capacity to generate it increases. In the last decade, table corals have made so much of it, that they can now spare some for other endangered corals too, making cool pools for them. Now, research has shown that in these pools, only 20 per cent of the corals bleach, while the rest continues to survive. This has even earned table corals the nickname of heat-tolerant corals. Experts believe, table corals are one of the major species that can help revive the coral population.  

Thyme 
Do you know what a thyme is? It is a tiny plant with a warm yet pungent aroma, often used as seasonings in soups. Its most popular type is the Mediterranean thyme. Now, these plants have the special ability to produce oils that in turn secrete strong chemicals such as phenols. This helps them keep herbivores away, that often prefer feeding on them. Now, as it turns out, phenols can only be produced in warmer climates. In fact, in between 1974 and 2010, these thymes had a hard time with freezing winters, as they are primarily found in southern parts of France where it’s extremely cold almost throughout the year. However, in the recent times, the population has recovered due to global warming and have even been able to produce large amounts of phenolic compounds. Not only that, this herb has also started to grow in areas across Europe where they were previously not found.  

Tawny Owl 
In the temperate forests of Europe, particularly in and around Finland, dwells a nocturnal bird called tawny owl. These owls are brownish in colour as their feathers produce a pigment called pheomelanin. Throughout the year (except the winter months), they are able to blend with their surrounding forests, which helps them survive, reproduce and steer clear of predators. However, as soon as winter sets in and snowfall starts, they are unable to hide and often fall prey to larger birds and animals. Scientists have also found that during freezing temperatures, the ability of tawny owls to secrete pheomelanin reduces. But in the near past, the population has vastly evolved due to warmer winters. In fact, the colour brown is now seen to appear a shade or two darker, thanks to climate change.