What is the impact of climate change on global biodiversity?.

Climate change poses a severe threat to global biodiversity, primarily through habitat loss, alterations in species distribution, and increased extinction rates. As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, many species struggle to adapt, leading to changes in ecosystem dynamics and species interactions.

Key Facts

• Habitat Loss: Climate change contributes to habitat destruction, especially in sensitive environments like coral reefs and polar regions.
• Species Extinction: According to the IUCN, approximately 1 million species are at risk of extinction due to climate change.
• Ecosystem Services: Biodiversity loss can disrupt essential services provided by ecosystems, such as pollination and water purification.
• Temperature Sensitivity: Many species, particularly those with narrow temperature tolerances, are highly vulnerable to climate shifts.

Examples or Use Cases

• Coral Reefs: Increased ocean temperatures lead to coral bleaching, affecting marine biodiversity.
• Polar Bears: Melting ice habitats threaten polar bears' hunting grounds, impacting their survival.

FAQs

• How does climate change affect species migration? Climate change alters the availability of food and suitable habitats, forcing species to migrate to survive.
• What role do humans play in biodiversity loss? Human activities such as deforestation and pollution exacerbate the impacts of climate change on biodiversity.