A recent study indicates that climate change could threaten up to 30% of species worldwide unless global warming is controlled. Current temperature rises result in a gradual increase in extinction rates, particularly affecting amphibians and species from vulnerable ecosystems. The research advocates for urgent action to limit warming to 1.5°C to protect biodiversity.
Recent projections suggest that global climate change poses a significant threat to biodiversity, with current levels of warming potentially leading to the extinction of 7.6% of all species. A crucial study published in the journal Science, led by biologist Mark C Urban from the University of Connecticut, models the impact of rising temperatures on various species, particularly focusing on animals, birds, and insects. The report highlights a concerning trend: since the 1960s, climate change has been attributed to 19 extinctions, and the rate of extinction attributed to climate change has been increasing by 4% each decade.
The study indicates that if global temperatures surpass the critical threshold of 1.5°C, the number of extinctions could escalate dramatically. Under a scenario of severe emissions, it is projected that nearly one-third of all species could face extinction. Amphibians, species from mountainous or island ecosystems, and species particularly in South America, Australia, and New Zealand are identified as the most vulnerable groups.
Current global temperatures have already risen to 1.3°C above pre-industrial levels, leading to predictions that 1.6% of species will become extinct. Should temperatures reach 1.5°C, extinction rates will increase to 1.8%, and at 2.0°C, this figure rises further to 2.7%. Alarmingly, projections indicate that at a potential rise to 2.7°C, 5% of species could face extinction, while an extreme increase to 5.4°C could culminate in a staggering 29.7% of species being threatened.
The report emphasizes that while current emissions policies may mitigate extinction risks from 30% down to 5%, even a 5% loss of species could have severe repercussions for ecosystems and human populations reliant on them. The study advocates for the urgent need to adhere to the 1.5°C limit established by the Paris Agreement, which is expected to keep extinction risks below 2%. Additionally, it suggests that identifying and prioritizing species for conservation is essential in the effort to maintain biodiversity despite the ongoing impacts of climate change.
Understanding the grave implications of climate change on biodiversity is paramount. As the planet’s temperature continues to rise, scientists warn of a potential crisis that could lead to widespread extinctions. The research from the University of Connecticut provides key insights into the correlation between rising temperatures and species extinction rates. The findings serve as a clarion call for immediate action to address the ongoing climate crisis and implement effective conservation strategies.
In summary, the findings from the recent study underscore the urgent need to address climate change, as it poses severe risks to biodiversity. The data indicates that without significant reductions in global temperatures, we could witness unprecedented levels of species extinction. Key recommendations include adhering to the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement and prioritizing species conservation efforts to safeguard our planet’s biodiversity and the ecosystems we depend on.
Original Source: www.energylivenews.com
