How is climate change impacting global biodiversity in 2024?.

Climate change is significantly impacting global biodiversity through habitat loss, altered species distributions, and increased extinction rates. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns are forcing many species to adapt, migrate, or face extinction. Marine ecosystems are particularly vulnerable, with coral reefs experiencing bleaching events due to rising ocean temperatures.

Key Facts

• Extinction Rate: Current extinction rates are estimated to be 100 to 1,000 times higher than the natural background rate (IPBES, 2022).
• Species at Risk: Over 1 million species are currently threatened with extinction (IUCN, 2021).
• Habitat Loss: Approximately 70% of terrestrial ecosystems have been altered due to human activity and climate change (UNEP, 2023).
• Coral Reefs: Coral reefs are expected to decline by 70-90% if global temperatures rise by 1.5°C (IPCC, 2021).

Examples or Use Cases

• Polar Bears: As sea ice melts in the Arctic, polar bears are losing their hunting grounds, leading to decreased populations.
• Coral Bleaching: The Great Barrier Reef has experienced significant bleaching events, affecting marine biodiversity.

FAQs

• Q: What species are most affected by climate change? A: Species that are highly specialized or have limited ranges, such as certain amphibians and polar species, are particularly vulnerable.
• Q: How can we mitigate the impacts on biodiversity? A: Strategies include habitat conservation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and establishing protected areas.