Is Climate Change Jeopardising Global Biodiversity?

Over the past decade, the global effects of climate change have intensified. And now, scientists are maintaining that changing temperatures and weather patterns are having a massive impact on plant and animal life. As the world heats up, biodiversity cools off, with both the number and range of species expected to decline. For planet Earth, the impact on both humanity and ecosystems is a major concern.

Here’s why:

Environmental impact

According to research from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, temperatures may rise by up to 6 degrees Celsius by 2100. This is largely due to the fact that greenhouse gases are on the rise. The gases actively absorb heat from the sun, which heats the atmosphere internally.

Land biodiversity

The world’s polar regions are melting at an alarmingly fast rate, which not only triggers a rise in sea levels but also destroys the habitats of Arctic creatures like polar bears, penguins, puffins and whales. Drastic temperature changes will trigger shifts in mating cycles, and throw off migratory animals.

Ocean Biodiversity

For marine animals, rising sea levels and temperatures could significantly alter zooplankton patterns, which would have a major knock on effect on the ocean’s overall biodiversity. Plankton may be small, but they’re an essential part of the food chain! Carbon dioxide could also accelerate water acidification, which would endanger the health of organisms that are sensitive to pH.

A faltering food chain

As biodiversity dwindles, the effect on the food chain will be fierce. Imbalances could not only impact ecosystems, but also humanity’s ability to nourish growing populations. For example, the loss of insect species could prevent plant and crop pollination. As forests are felled, key medicinal plants could be lost forever. Similarly, some fire resistant grasses could be wiped off the biodiversity chart, which could leave region’s more vulnerable to wildfires.

While the world has a radius of 6,371 km, it’s defined by incredibly sensitive ecosystems. All work together to create balance, with even the smallest of organisms playing their part. As plant and animal species become extinct, the Earth’s health deteriorates in chorus.  

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