ESSAY ON IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON BIODIVERSITY
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Biodiversity includes the various types of life forms. There are many levels to study biodiversity. On a low level, one can study the subject in a closed system such as a pond and on a high level, different species on the planet can be considered. It important to identify and understand the relation between the various life forms on the planet to find solutions to scientific challenges.
It has been established that there is a connection between biodiversity and climate change. While the climate has always been changing throughout the history of earth and species have changed accordingly, now we are facing a rapid climate change and this affects the ability of the species to adapt. This leads to a loss in biodiversity.
The rapid change in climate and the resulting accelerating loss of biodiversity can pose human security issues as there can be changes in the food chain and water sources. Some medicines might become harder to obtain because the fauna from which the chemicals are derived might disappear.
Water sources might become scanty and this will affect all species on the planet. It’s important to study how different species will be affected by global warming. One of the major and the most obvious consequences of climate change is the increase in temperature all over the world. According to the NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration), the average increase in temperature is about 1.4o Fahrenheit in the last 100 years.
It is important to predict the response of biodiversity to such rapidly changing temperatures. With the help of accurate predictions, scientists can assess potential risks and take measures to avoid any negative consequences. Studies have suggested that climate change could be a bigger threat than habitat destruction for the global biodiversity.
There are multiple approaches and thus a great variability in projections which makes it difficult to get a clear idea of the global climate change.
Human activity and climate change
Several human activities have a large impact on climate change as they cause a change in the atmosphere of the Earth by increasing greenhouse gasses. Some contributors are the burning of fossil fuels and the use of aerosols. Both aerosols and greenhouse gasses result in the altering of solar radiation and infrared radiation. This, in turn, distorts the energy balance of the Earth, thus leading to excess heating or cooling of the planet. Ever since the beginning of the industrial era (circa 1750), human activities have had a warming effect on the climate. This effect exceeds the natural warming effect such as by volcanic eruptions.
Biodiversity loss
Climate change threatens several species with a possibility of extinction. Almost a quarter of the species present on land today might disappear by the year 2050. Underwater species also face a huge risk due to climate change. This is especially true for the species that are sensitive to warm temperatures. Studies by IPCC state that if the present trends of consuming fossil fuels continue, by 2100, the surface of the Earth will become warmer by 11o Fahrenheit. It is difficult to predict how most ecosystems will respond to extreme warming, but the results can be assumed to be catastrophic.
Effects and responses
There are multiple components of climate change and they are presumed to affect biodiversity on all levels – from organism to biome. At the most basic level, climate change will be able to reduce the genetic range of populations due to rapid migration and directional selection. Most studies are focused on higher organizational levels and for very few species.
Climate change resulted in a phenological shift in flowering plants along with insect pollinators which creates a mismatch between the plant and its pollinator population. This has resulted in the extinction of the plant as well as the pollinator. For example, bees are disappearing and soon might become extinct if some steps are not taken.
Biodiversity response
Because of the climate change, species might not be able to adapt to the new environmental conditions and might fall outside its climatic niche. There should be an equally adaptive response by the species and individuals in order to survive.
Predicting the future
Our studies of the impact of climate change on global biodiversity are insufficient and inconclusive. However, there are enough studies to raise some serious concerns for the survival and future of global biodiversity. It is not difficult to foresee several ecological problems looming ahead if the current trends continue. While the average land temperature has risen, it has resulted in the melting of polar ice caps.
Possible solutions
There can be many things that can be done to slow down the climate change. By using more efficient and renewable sources of energy, we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. By using fewer aerosol and aerosol-related products, we can reduce the greenhouse effect. Energy should be consumed, both in residential as well as commercial sectors. There should also be a strong emphasis on afforestation.
Conclusion
The current practices of burning fossil fuel along with other factors have resulted in a change in the global climate of the planet. While several environmental conditions play a part in the presence and function of the biodiversity of a particular area, climate change is the major driver of some worrying patterns related to biodiversity. There have been many studies on the subject and yet there is a lot to be explored. The present climate change is rapid and has impacted the biodiversity on a large scale. Biodiversity is extremely important for human life as all species interact with each other and are vital to human survival. The effects of increasing pollution, carbon dioxide, and deforestation is leading to an alarming increase in the average world temperature.
When we discuss the effects of climate change, we generally hear about the change to land and atmosphere. However, global warming affects the oceans and other water bodies as well. While rapid climate change is a threat to biodiversity, there are some measures that can help slow down the pace of global warming. Some of these steps are afforestation and reducing the dependence on fossil fuels.
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