How Climate Change Affects Biodiversity

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Over the last thirty years the earth has warmed at a rate of 0.2°C per decade. It is estimated that Australia will warm 0.4 to 2.0°C by 2030 and by 1 to 6°C by 2070. As the earth’s climate is changing ecosystems and biodiversity are also being affected. In a statement by The UN Convention on Biological Diversity it was said, “Climate change is forecast to become one of the biggest threats to biodiversity”. With each region climate change poses different threats. From melting icecaps to desertification climate change will have a disastrous effect on biodiversity unless we do something about it.

Direct impacts of climate change on biodiversity

Ecosystem boundaries will change through flooding, rising sea levels and overall higher temperatures. The knock-on effect is the redistribution of biodiversity.
Species that are unable to adapt to higher temperatures risk extinction.
Climate change can affect the reproduction cycle, metabolic rate and behaviour of certain species as the temperature increases.
As temperatures change in the extreme north and south where there is no alternative habitat, species will be forced to migrate or face extinction.
According to the World Conservation Union, one in six mammals in Europe face the threat of extinction from the loss of habitat and climate change.

How climate change has already affected biodiversity

Song Thrush

biodiversity As Britain has become hotter and drier in the summer, the Song Thrush has suffered. The change in climate has resulted in fewer snails, worms and slugs that the Song Thrush eats and therefore the bird has been forced to move to wetter regions.

Costa Rican Frogs

Climate change has had a devastating effect on the Costa Rican jungle where 17 amphibian species have disappeared. Of those, 5 species are native only to Costa Rica, including the golden toad and two varieties of the Harlequin frog. It is believed that a fungus, which has flourished in warmer temperatures, is the cause of the disappearance.

Spruce Budworm

This North American pest has seen an explosion in numbers as a result of climate change. The warmer temperatures have resulted in the spruce budworm laying more eggs as their reproductive cycle changes. This has had a devastating effect on forests that it inhabits.

Great Barrier Reef

The rising sea temperatures have caused coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef. As a result of this coral-feeding fish numbers have significantly declined.

You can help save biodiversity from the affects of climate change

Find out about habitat restoration or wilderness protection projects in your area. By supporting these charities you are making a difference. If you want a hands-on approach many of these tree-planting and habitat restoration projects require volunteers. By getting involved you not only help maintain biodiversity in the area but it’ll leave you feeling pretty good too!

However the most effective change you can make is to reduce your CO2 emissions and become more energy efficient. By living more eco-conscious you are helping the root cause of global warming and thereby helping to prevent the loss of biodiversity. Responsible living is the best solution to minimize the affect of climate change on biodiversity.

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