Climate Change Threatens Extinction of One-Third of Species Globally
A recent study reveals that climate change could threaten nearly one-third of all species with extinction if global temperatures rise beyond 1.5°C. The research indicates that 7.6% of species are already at risk due to current warming trends. Vulnerable groups include amphibians and species from specific ecosystems, highlighting the need for immediate conservation strategies and emission reductions to protect biodiversity.
Climate change poses a severe threat to global biodiversity, with current projections indicating that 7.6% of species face extinction largely due to rising temperatures. A recent study published in the journal Science highlights that without reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, one-third of all species could potentially disappear as global temperatures increase beyond 1.5°C. The research, spearheaded by biologist Mark C Urban from the University of Connecticut, utilizes historical data to model the relationship between temperature rise and extinction rates among various groups, including animals, birds, and insects.
Since the 1960s, the impact of climate change on species extinction has grown, with 19 extinctions linked to climate factors recorded to date. The proportion of these climate-related extinctions has risen by 4% each decade. Furthermore, Urban’s modeling predicts a rapid increase in extinction rates if temperatures surpass 1.5°C, a critical threshold established by the Paris Agreement. Under the most extreme scenario, nearly 30% of species could face extinction.
Particularly vulnerable groups include amphibians, species from mountain, island, and freshwater ecosystems, as well as species found in South America, Australia, and New Zealand. At present, with temperatures at 1.3°C above pre-industrial levels, the estimated extinction risk is at 1.6%; if temperatures reach 2°C, this risk escalates to 2.7%. Current policies aimed at emission reductions could decrease the extinction risk from 30% to 5%, yet even a 5% loss in biodiversity would gravely impact ecosystems and human communities relying on them.
The study emphasizes the necessity of adhering to the 1.5°C threshold to mitigate extinction risks and suggests that beyond reducing emissions, identifying priority species for conservation will be essential to preserving biodiversity until climate change can be effectively addressed.
Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing global challenges, with significant repercussions for biodiversity and ecosystems. The increase in global temperatures, primarily due to human activities, has accelerated species extinction rates across various taxa. This situation necessitates comprehensive research to understand the extent of these impacts and to develop strategic conservation methodologies. The recent study sheds light on the delicate balance of ecosystems and the urgent need for policy changes to combat the looming threat posed by climate change.
In summary, the alarming potential for climate change to drive one-third of all species towards extinction underlines the urgent need for concerted action. The findings underscore the importance of adhering to the 1.5°C temperature threshold while also prioritizing the protection of vulnerable species. By implementing effective emissions policies and identifying at-risk species, efforts can be made to preserve biodiversity and maintain ecosystem health in the face of ongoing climate challenges.
Original Source: www.energylivenews.com
