Human activities have caused global mean temperatures to rise by around one °C from pre-industrial times. Climate change consequences include extreme weather occurrences such as drought, storms, rising sea levels, and rising global temperatures.
Anthropogenic climate change is already influencing species, and its fast start is restricting many species’ ability to adapt to their habitats. Climate change affects at least 10,967 creatures on the IUCN Red List of Threatened species, putting them at risk of extinction. The Bramble Cay melomys (Melomys rubicola) is the first animal to go extinct due to climate change. Its habitat was damaged by increasing sea levels and was formerly only found on the island of Bramble Cay in the Great Barrier Reef.
Corals are part of one of the most diversified ecosystems on the planet. Still, they are also one of the most quickly diminishing species groupings owing to mass bleaching, disease, and die-offs induced by rising ocean temperatures and acidity. The Paris Agreement’s goal of a global temperature rise of less than two °C is critical for coral reef conservation.
What is its significance of it?
Species have inherent worth, but they also play essential roles in ecosystems, which offer necessary services to people. Climate change interacts with factors including habitat loss and overfishing, exacerbating species reductions. Climate change may be accelerated by removing species and ecosystems, generating a feedback loop that worsens the situation.
Changing food chains
Climate change’s effects on even the tiniest species can endanger ecosystems and other species across the food chain. Increased sea-ice melt and ocean acidification, for example, are lowering krill populations in the Arctic Ocean, putting whales, penguins, and seals that rely on krill as a critical food source at risk. The full effects of species extinction may not be visible for decades since species at the bottom of the food chain are frequently the first to be impacted by climate change.
Crop diseases are evolving in terms of their variety and severity. Temperature and rainfall are increasing the occurrences of Fusarium ear blight in wheat, for example. These may create mycotoxins, rendering wheat inedible and resulting in up to 60% of harvest losses.
No matter for which subject you are seeking an Assignment editing help, our Experienced assignment writers have excellent skills
Alien invasive species
Invasive alien species are one of the leading drivers of biodiversity loss and species extinction, and climate change typically exacerbates the spread of invasive species. The water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), native to South America, can now be found in sections of every continent except Antarctica. Its distribution is projected to expand as the temperature warms. The hyacinth deoxygenates waterways, destroying fish populations and reducing residents’ income and food supply.
Carbon sinks become carbon sources
Climate change reduces plant species’ ability to store carbon, transforming carbon sinks into carbon sources. Warmer temperatures also contribute to an increase in tree death due to disease, drought, and an increase in the incidence and intensity of forest fires, all of which contribute to increased carbon emissions.
What options do we have?
Meeting climatic objectives, protecting and safeguarding habitats, and assisting species in adapting are all part of efforts to conserve species and minimize the effects of climate change.
Read Also: Education
Lowering CO2 emissions
Long-term and coordinated initiatives to fulfil Paris Agreement’s carbon reduction objectives can keep temperature rises below the critical 2°C barriers. This will have the most significant influence on mitigating the effects of climate change on species and ensuring that ecosystems continue to offer habitat for species and various benefits to people.
Allow nature to assist humans
Ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and tundra, mitigate climate change by acting as carbon sinks, and they play a critical role in helping countries fulfil their Paris Agreement commitments. They are increasing the efficiency of climate-change resistance species through restoring ecosystems and reforesting in biodiversity-friendly methods. People can also benefit from nature’s assistance in adapting. For example, preserving coastal species like mangroves and coral ensures a steady food supply. It sustains livelihoods while also protecting against tsunamis, storm surges, and other extreme weather brought on by climate change.
Assist species in coping
Species are the foundation of ecosystems; thus, mitigating the threats presented by climate change to species is vital. Helping species adapt to changing climates and planning techniques for dealing with extreme weather occurrences like heat waves, floods, and droughts are examples of sound conservation approaches.
Take advantage of environmental tools
There are several practical conservation tools available. The IUCN Red List keeps track of species’ danger statuses. While the IUCN Species Survival Commission provides recommendations for assessing species’ climate change susceptibility.
The Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) provides fundamental biodiversity risk screening. Allowing governments and corporations to reduce their negative impacts on species and biodiversity.
You may get assistance from MyAssignmentHelpAu my assignment service specialists for additional information.
