Climate change is a much-discussed topic, but what does the science say? In this talk, the evidence of how climate change is already affecting bird distributions, populations and communities will be reviewed and summarised. The magnitude of future climate change is projected to be much greater than already experienced. The potential impact of these future changes in bird species around the world will be assessed, and used to assess how conservation practice may need to adapt in response.

Dr Pearce-Higgins is the British Trust for Ornithology Director of Science