The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity

Biodiversity and ecosystems around the world are under threat from climate change. Over half of our global GDP depends on biodiversity. However, extreme weather events, changing conditions, and rising global temperatures are altering the life and ecosystems that life relies upon to thrive.

One of the best ways to tackle this issue is to reduce the amount of gas, oil, and coal we burn into the atmosphere each year. These fossil fuels heat the earth and put ecosystems and biodiversity at risk. 

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How Climate Change Affects Biodiversity and Ecosystems

The earth's biodiversity and ecosystem exist in a delicate balance. They are the result of billions of years of evolution. However, changing weather conditions caused by climate change are knocking these systems out of whack.

Our reliance on fossil fuels has turned up the global temperature. Places that used to absorb carbon are being destroyed (i.e., Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, the dramatic reduction in wetlands)

If our carbon sinks disappear and we continue to burn coal, oil, and gas, we will reach unsustainable levels of carbon monoxide. These problems lead to rises in land and sea temperatures and changes to ecosystems that we may be unable to reverse.

What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity — short for biological diversity — refers to the assortment of life on our planet. It encompasses genes, bacteria, plants, animals, and everything else.

What is an Ecosystem?

An ecosystem is a place where life interacts on earth. These complex, interconnected networks are where biotic life (animals, plants, bacteria) and antibiotic life (soil, water, atmosphere) mix together.

How is Climate Change Harming Ecosystems and Biodiversity?

Human land use, principally food production, is the biggest threat to biodiversity. During the last several thousand years, humans have changed the planet completely — over 70% of ice-free land has been converted. 

Forests, wetlands, and savannahs have been destroyed. Our activity has made plants and animals extinct and pushed others to the brink. In response, animals have moved habitats to escape human production. 

The picture in the oceans is not much better. Rising global temperatures and food production have reduced fish populations and live coral reefs. We have done irreversible damage to marine and ocean life already, with more on the way if we don't change our habits.

One of the most troubling aspects of the destruction of biodiversity is its crucial role in reducing global warming.

How Biodiversity Protects Us From Global Warming

As we mentioned earlier, our planet is a delicate ecosystem. It already has a method for dealing with excess carbon and greenhouse gases. Forests, peatlands, and oceans can absorb carbon. However, our overproduction means these systems can't keep up with human output, and about 50% of greenhouse gases remain in the atmosphere.

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Extinction, Nature Decline, and Behavior Shifts in Species

Burning fossil fuels and destroying the oceans and forests depletes the ecosystems we rely upon for food, water, and oxygen. As we eat into nature, we put the survival of the human population at risk alongside our businesses and economies. The health of these systems is declining at an unprecedented rate. Globally, we've cut about one-third of forests.

Another worrying element of climate change is how it changes certain species' behaviors. Animals exist in tune with their environment. As we impact ecosystems at a rapid rate, many species are struggling to adapt and keep up. 

One study of over 100 species noted that climate change caused changes in behavioral categories, like

• aggression
• activity
• boldness
• sociability
• exploration of environment

These are worrying trends that demonstrate a loss of harmony between biodiversity and ecosystems.

What Can You Do To Help Biodiversity and Ecosystems?

The leading causes of biodiversity and ecosystem destruction are rising land and ocean temperatures and deforestation. Oil, gas, and coal production and use play a huge role in these practices.

One of the best things you can do is learn about and find alternative fuel sources. Fossil fuels are unsustainable. We need to find renewable energy sources. Thankfully, options like solar panels exist and are getting more efficient with each passing year.

Moreover, the US government is incentivizing citizens to install solar panels. The solar panel tax credit can help you reduce the costs of going solar while saving you money on your energy bills. Find out more about this program here.

Final Thoughts 

Life on earth exists in a complex and delicate balance. Our planet is connected in fascinating ways that we don't always understand. However, we have been playing with this equilibrium since the Industrial Revolution, and it could cost us dearly.

Biodiversity has been dramatically affected by environmental destruction and global warming. The quality of our water, air, and soil is degrading. Plants and animals are becoming extinct.

We must find a way to turn back the clock and reverse some of the damage we've done to biodiversity and ecosystems. Embracing climate change solutions like solar panels, which are ideal in states like Florida, is one way to reduce global warming. If we can reduce greenhouse gasses, we can take the pressure off carbon sinks like forests. 

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