Many unique species of flora and fauna, inhabiting only some of the world’s most spectacular landmarks are in danger of extinction if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, according to a study. New scientific research is published in the journal Biological Conservation.
Polar bear, one of the animals facing extinction due to the impact of climate change (Artwork: kinhtemoitruong.vn)
Climate change, if left unchecked, could destroy natural treasures in “biodiversity hotspots” around the world, scientists warn.
A global team of scientists has analyzed nearly 300 biodiversity hotspots on land and at sea. These are locations with a particularly high concentration of plant and animal species. Many of these hotspots include ‘endemic’ species, inhabiting only a single geographical location, such as an island or a country.
They found that if the planet heats above 3 ° C, one-third of the endemic species that live on land and about half of the endemic species living in the sea will face extinction. In mountainous regions, 84% of endemic animals and plants face extinction at these temperatures, while on islands it reaches 100%. Overall, 92% of terrestrial endemic and 95% marine endemic species face negative consequences at a 3 ° C increase, such as a reduction in numbers. Current policies are moving the world in this direction of about 3 ° C warming.
Among endemic species, there are some of the world’s most iconic animals and plants. Endemic species threatened by climate change include all lemurs that only exist in Madagascar; the blue crane – which is the national bird of South Africa; and the snow leopard, one of the most unique animals of the Himalayas.
Research shows that compared to widely available species, endemic species are 2.7 times more likely to become extinct if the temperature rise is not controlled. Since they are only found in a certain place, and if climate change changes their separate habitats, these species will inevitably disappear from the Earth’s surface. If greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase, places like the Caribbean islands, Madagascar and Sri Lanka may see most of their endemic plant species go extinct as soon as 2050. The tropics It is particularly vulnerable, with more than 60% of tropical endemic species facing extinction under the effects of climate change alone.
But everything is not necessarily over. If countries cut their emissions in line with the Paris Agreement then most of these endemic species will persist. In total, 2% of endemic soil species and 2% of endemic marine species face extinction if the temperature rises to 1.5ºC, and 4% at 2ºC. Strong commitments from global leaders ahead of the Glasgow climate change summit later this year could put the world on track to meet the Paris Agreement, and avoid the risk of treasures. The world’s most precious nature was destroyed on a large scale.
“Climate change threatens areas that are so rich in unique species of organisms,” said Stella Manes, study lead author and researcher at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Found anywhere else in the world. The risk of permanently disappearing these species will increase more than 10 times if we miss out on the goals of the Paris Agreement. Biodiversity has more value than just seeing. The higher the species diversity, the better the health of nature, while also protecting against threats such as climate change. Healthy nature will provide indispensable sources of life for humans, such as water, food and materials, protect us from natural disasters, provide value for recreational relaxation and cultural connectivity, and morale.”
“Our research shows that a one-color and possibly very boring world awaits them,” said Wolfgang Kiessling, a marine expert from Friedrich-Alexander Erlangen- Nürnberg University and author of the study. We are ahead due to climate change. Organisms will benefit, while native species that contribute to the distinctive look of hot spots will disappear. ”
“This study found that species are geographically rare, especially those that live,” said Mark Costello, a marine expert from the University of Nord and the University of Auckland and author of the study. on islands and mountains, which are already in danger of extinction due to current climate change, these species cannot easily migrate to more favorable environments by their natural characteristics. that 20% of all species will be threatened with extinction by climate change in the coming decades, unless we act now. ”
According to Shobha S. Maharaj, an island expert from the Caribbean Journal of Environmental Science and Renewable Energy, and author of the study: “This study shows the relative risk of extinction due to climate change. with rare species living in the island area, it is 8 times higher than that in the mainland. The geographic rarity of these species makes them of global value to nature. Such species cannot easily migrate to more favorable environments and their end to extinction could lead to a global decline in disproportionate species.
You must log in to post a comment.