New research shows global warming is driving animals and plants away from the equator towards cooler areas nearer the poles and at higher elevations.

Researchers in Britain analyzed dozens of studies tracking the movements of nearly 1,400 animal and plant species.

Their results, published in the journal Science, show the species are migrating towards higher latitudes at an average pace nearly double that reported in 2003. And species are moving to higher altitudes at a speed almost three times faster than previously estimated.

Lead investigator Chris Thomas, of the University of York, said there can be no doubt that climate change is causing the massive migration. It is a process that has been going on for the last 40 years, Thomas said, and is set to continue until at least the end of this century.