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The escalating environmental changes driven by climate change are disrupting natural habitats and species in unprecedented ways, and the impacts are becoming increasingly evident. Rising temperatures, altered rnfall patterns, intensified extreme weather events, ocean acidification, and other anthropogenic activities are collectively placing significant pressure on biodiversity.
There's a growing consensus that climate change poses an existential threat to biodiversity, as evidenced by the observed increase in fire intensity and frequency, storm occurrences, droughts, which are exacerbating the strn on ecosystems. Notably, Australia witnessed catastrophic wildfires in late 2019 and early 2020 that resulted in the destruction of more than 97,000 square kilometers of forest and surrounding habitats-an impact exacerbated by climate change conditions.
The global temperature is poised to increase by over 1.5°C 2.7°F above pre-industrial levels if current warming trs persist through 2030. Climate change's ripple effects on biodiversity are already noticeable; for instance, reductions in atmospheric water vapor since the late 1990s have led to a notable decline in global vegetation growth and greening.
In marine ecosystems, rising temperatures are threatening corals, while ocean acidification poses additional challenges by impeding the formation of shells and hard skeletons for shellfish and coral species. There's also evidence indicating that changes in oceanic algae blooms might be on the rise due to these stressors.
While climate change constitutes a significant threat to biodiversity, it's equally important to acknowledge the role natural habitats play in mitigating climate impacts by absorbing carbon. Mangrove forests act as crucial carbon sinks, while Amazonia, with its unparalleled biodiversity and massive carbon storage capacity-up to 100 billion tons-is a prime example of nature-based solutions for climate change.
However, safeguarding these vital natural carbon reservoirs from further damage is paramount in the battle agnst global warming. Science continues to offer insights into our impact on habitats and the environment while proposing innovative solutions that benefit both ity and biodiversity conservation efforts.
For more information:
The decline and extinction of species under climate change pressures Royal Society
Addressing climate change through nature-based solutions that support biodiversity and people's wellbeing Royal Society
Amazonia: A future Eden or degraded landscapes? Royal Society
Understanding and responding to evidence and causes of climate change Royal Society
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Climate Change Threatens Biodiversity Global Warming and Species Extinction Natural Habitats as Carbon Sinks Ocean Acidification Impacts Coral Rise in Extreme Weather Events Vegetation Decline due to Higher Temperatures