How is climate change impacting biodiversity in 2024?.

Climate change is profoundly affecting biodiversity, with rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events leading to habitat destruction and species extinction. As ecosystems struggle to adapt, many species face heightened risks, disrupting food webs and ecological balance.

Key Facts

• Temperature Increase: Global temperatures have risen by 1.2°C since the pre-industrial era, affecting habitats.
• Species at Risk: The IPBES reports that over 1 million species are currently threatened with extinction.
• Ecosystem Disruption: Coastal and freshwater ecosystems are particularly vulnerable, impacting biodiversity.
• Habitat Loss: Deforestation and ocean acidification are accelerating loss of biodiversity.

Examples or Use Cases

• Coral reefs are experiencing bleaching due to warmer ocean temperatures, affecting marine biodiversity.
• Altered migration patterns in birds and other species as they seek suitable habitats.

FAQs

• What is biodiversity? Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
• How does climate change affect ecosystems? Climate change alters habitats, food availability, and species interactions, leading to potential ecosystem collapse.