Impact of Climate Change on Global Biodiversity

• 26 May 2023

Recently, a study has revealed alarming findings regarding the impact of climate change on global biodiversity. The study highlights the potential abrupt loss of habitat for numerous species due to climate change.

Key Findings:

• 30 Percent of Species over Tipping Points: Climate change has the potential to push up to 30 percent of species over tipping points as their habitats experience unprecedented temperature changes.
• Unfamiliarly Hot Temperatures: If the planet warms by 1.5 degrees Celsius, 15 percent of species studied will face unfamiliarly hot temperatures across at least 30 percent of their geographic range within a single decade.
• This risk doubles to 30 percent of species if warming reaches 2.5 degrees Celsius.
• Thermal Exposure Threshold: The study introduced the concept of a thermal exposure threshold, which signifies the point at which areas within a species' range consistently surpass historically extreme temperatures experienced between 1850 and 2014.
• Crossing this threshold does not guarantee extinction, but it poses a significant challenge for species to survive under higher temperatures.
• Many animals will experience the thermal exposure threshold across a substantial portion of their geographic range within a short timeframe.
• Potential Mass Extinction Crisis: Urgent reduction of carbon emissions is crucial to mitigate the detrimental effects of climate change and prevent a potential mass extinction crisis.
• Catastrophic Consequences: Visualizing the changes over time helps raise awareness about the catastrophic consequences of unchecked climate change.
• Combating Climate Change: Proactive measures are essential in combating climate change to protect global biodiversity and ensure a sustainable future for all species.
• The study's findings can aid conservation efforts by providing an early warning system to identify areas and species at risk.