As the climate warms, it is not only the habits of humans that are affected, but the habits of
animals. As animals’ habitats are impacted by food scarcity, drought and extreme weather,
animals’ migration patterns, grazing patterns and tolerance of humans changes. Animals may
seek out food sources in highly populated human areas and roam from their wild habitats into
agricultural lands, where they can predate on livestock or spread disease. They can also fall
victim to the hazards of human environments, such as traffic, pollution, obstructive buildings,
earth moving machinery and ships. The collisions, deaths and conflict that result may impact
humans, but when solutions are sought, animals often become the victim of campaigns to cull
them or move them from their natural habitat.

It starts with animal human conflict, when humans, domestic pets and livestock are attacked and killed. It then often spills over into conflict between humans about how to resolve the problem. If you are facing a human/animal conflict where there is risk of harm to humans or animals, call our experienced animal rights mediators and climate change mediators to find out how we can mediate a solution that resolves the conflict while protecting animal rights and being mindful of climate change impacts. 

What is the Science Behind Climate Change Related Human Animal Conflicts?

Recent research has revealed a pattern of animal-human conflict that seems directly related
to climate change. The conflicts are happening globally and they often follow a climate change-related event like drought or flooding, which forces animals and people to change their habits
and come into conflict.The researchers analyzed 49 studies to find a strong link between climate change related events like drought and animal related conflicts. This was true globally.

Who are the Conflict Parties in Climate-Change Related Animal Conflicts?

When animal-human conflicts break out they quickly escalate and animals and humans can be injured or killed. It’s critical to act quickly or be prepared when climate change conditions may increase the possibility that human-animal contact will break out.

Human-animal conflict as a result of climate change is increasing globally and it can also cause
conflict between animals themselves. The conflict parties include:

• Animals – Animals can be in conflict with humans and each other when resources are
  scarce. Humans are animals too and by definition all animals seek water and
  food. For example in Africa, predators like lions and their prey are drawn to
  reduced water sources, increasing predation. There are cases in Mexico in which Tapirs
  are drawn to graze on farmers’ crops in times of drought.
• Humans – Humans may change their patterns during times of climate change scarcity
  too. They may seek out new water sources which bring them into conflict with animals.
  Humans can cause conflict with animals when they leave unsecured food out that can be eaten by bears, for example, bringing these animals into conflict with humans and domestic animals.
• Farmers – Farmers can come into conflict with animals whenever animals stray onto their land and eat crops or predate on their livestock or spread disease. Farmers may advocate for harsh solutions that could lead to loss of animal lives or habitat.
• Tourists, motorists, homeowners and people who use the land for living and working or recreation. People who use the land recreationally can have an impact on animals, and they can also be in danger from animals. Animals and people cross paths more frequently during times in which resources are scarce. Humans detour from paths because of floods and drought, and animals do the same. Animals that may cross highways more often are at risk of death, and humans that interact with animals can be attacked.  Conflict parties could include homeowners associations and neighborhood groups that want protection from wild animals, tourists who want to freely roam the landscape, hunters who want to hunt animals for sport and motorists.
• Developers, and Municipal Authorities who want to use the land for large scale projects benefiting humans. Developers and local and state authorities often have plans for the land that don’t factor in the climate-change related impacts on animals, humans and their livelihood. They may proceed with projects that could upset the ecosystem balance in the area without sufficient consultation from humans.
• Animal Advocacy Groups and Conservationists. Animal advocates may come into conflict with other groups over their mission to protect animals and the ecosystem. Animal advocates may even come into conflict with each other when it comes to conservation of different species that may be competing for resources.
• Shipping companies and industry close to the coastline. Shipping routes and industrial activity may clash with new routes and feeding grounds of marine animals due to the effects of climate change and pollution.

What Are the Solutions to Human-Animal Climate Change Conflicts?

Science provides many opportunities for resolving these conflicts. Local communities
and non-scientists may not be aware of the resources that are available to them for interacting
and managing their local ecosystems and animal habitat. The ability to predict and model
weather events and extreme weather events has greatly improved. It allows local communities to be prepared for events involving animals.

At Boileau Conflict Solutions we have been working with dispute parties to resolve animal related
conflicts for many years. We have a strong background in scientific research, legal expertise,
mathematical modeling and connections within scientific and conservation communities that can
help communities work together to find solutions for climate-change related conflicts involving
animals.

If your local community is facing conflict due to the changing habits of animals and humans resulting from climate change related events, we encourage you to reach out to our experienced
animal rights mediators before the problem becomes more difficult. The sooner we can begin our analysis of your conflict, the cheaper and more peaceful the resolution can be. We have offices in Bozeman, MT, San Diego, CA and Silicon Valley, CA. Please contact us to learn more about our animal rights mediation services.