Research Proposal on Impact of Climate Change in Animal Species: An Empirical Study

Brief Description             Climate change is a highly complex problem, closely interlinked with many environmental challenges. The impact of climate change poses additional pressures on ecosystems and biodiversity. The effects cannot be prevented or reversed in a short time. It is necessary, hence, to improve the ability of species to adapt to the changes in their environment. This study seeks to investigate the condition and effects of climate change to animal species in particular to the forestry and ecosystem of western Sydney. The impact is tremendous which need to be addressed to the proper authorities and the necessity to create rehabilitation programs for preservation and controlling the negative upshots of climate change.   Background               The impact of climate change on biodiversity is already visible. Studies show clearly that changes in distribution and behavior of a large number of species are the consequence of shifts in local or regional climate, weather patterns and resulting changes of vegetation and habitat quality. It is evident that some species and geographic areas are found to be at greater risk than others and there is reason to expect migratory animals to be badly affected.             Our climate is changing and this change is affecting wild birds and animals. Disrupted breeding, barriers to migration and increased disease transmission are just some of the threats migratory species face from climate change. Even the limited knowledge available suggests that projected changes in climate during the twenty-first century, coupled with land-use change and the spread of alien or exotic species will hinder not only migration and successful breeding, but will also limit the availability of suitable habitats for some species and could ultimately lead to their extinction. Objectives             The study would like to take an investigative research using the empirical analysis methods and instrument but this will not be fruitful without any objective in mind. Hence, this study seeks to analyze and investigate the impact of climate change on the animal species found in Western Sydney. Moreover, to puts forth the prevailing problems in order to be amended by the proper authorities. Methodology             In investigating and evaluating the status of animal species in western Sydney brought about by climate change, the Vulnerability Assessment model by Kay and Waterman will be utilized. It also includes description of the sites (physical, biological and socio-economic attributes), identification of natural and anthropogenic factors, assessments of vulnerability to existing forcing factors, to climate change, recommendations for future monitoring and management strategies and identification of information gaps and research priorities.             The use of empirical analysis methods and instruments are significant in this study, moreover, the researcher would like to take both the empirical qualitative and quantitative approaches in order to have reliable and credible results. Timetable             This study will have to take at least a one year of research, taking into consideration some external interruptions which are uncontrollable. The research will start the gathering of information and data on the time it will be approved. The first three months will be used for date gathering, experimentation, observation and field ocular inspection of a particular subject. The rest of the months will be spending on interviews, transcribing data and information gathered from field and library researches, and analysis of the total accumulated data. Then, final presentation of the results of the data will be presented to the panel for examination and evaluation. Expected Outcomes             The study stands on many assumptions regarding the impact of climate change on animal species particularly in the Western part of Sydney. Here, climate change brought significant effect on the migratory status of birds and other animal species. If and when the forestry and ecosystem adversely affected by climate change, species that originally habituated in Western Sydney may have take a migratory path towards a more suitable place of living.             Another expected outcome will be on the weight of how authorities will respond on this phenomenon given the status or condition of the ecosystem and biodiversity in the western part of Sydney and on how government bureaucracies implement effective programs and rehabilitation measures to prevent the diminutions of animal species.