A study in the journal Science warns that climate change threatens about 7.6% of species with extinction at current levels, rising to a potential one-third of species if warming continues. Extinctions, notably among amphibians and island species, could increase significantly with even slight temperature rises above the 1.5°C threshold, illustrating the urgent need for emissions reductions and species protection efforts.
Recent findings reveal that species extinction rates are alarmingly linked to climate change. According to a study published in the prestigious journal Science, it is estimated that at current warming levels, around 7.6% of species are threatened with extinction. If temperature increases continue unabated, that figure could reach nearly a third of all species on the planet. The study emphasizes the urgency of limiting global temperature rise to mitigate these risks.
Historically, the rise in global temperatures has coincided with a surge in extinction rates. Since the 1960s, 19 species extinctions have been attributed to climate change according to University of Connecticut biologist Mark C. Urban. His research indicates that the rate of extinctions attributed to climate change has grown by 4% each decade, illustrating an alarming upward trend. The research forecasts that should global temperatures surpass the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement, the rate of extinction will accelerate considerably, endangering an estimated one-third of all species.
Particular ecosystems are highlighted as being at higher risk, including amphibians, species native to mountainous regions, islands, and freshwater habitats, as well as those found in South America, Australia, and New Zealand. Presently, global temperatures are approximately 1.3°C higher than pre-industrial levels, putting 1.6% of species on the brink of extinction. Projections indicate that rising to 1.5°C could increase this risk to 1.8%, while a rise to 2.0°C could elevate the threat to 2.7%, and a potential scenario of 5.4°C could result in nearly 30% extinction.
The report collectively urges immediate action, stating that existing emission policies could decrease extinction risks significantly. However, even a 5% loss of species could yield catastrophic effects on biodiversity and the ecosystems that are vital for human survival. The study strongly supports maintaining a global temperature rise below 1.5°C to diminish extinction threats to below 2%. It emphasizes that in addition to limiting greenhouse gas emissions, identifying priority species for protection will be critical for the immediate preservation of biodiversity until anthropogenic climate change is addressed.
Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges facing biodiversity worldwide. As global temperatures rise, ecosystems are being disrupted, leading to varying levels of endangerment among numerous species. The ongoing study highlights the potential consequences of unchecked global warming, notably the staggering number of species that could face extinction. Understanding the dynamics between climate change and extinction rates is essential for developing effective conservation strategies and policies.
The findings from the recent study underscore the critical need for immediate and decisive action against climate change to safeguard biodiversity. With projections indicating that up to one-third of all species could be driven to extinction if global temperatures continue to rise unchecked, it is imperative to adhere to established climate targets. Efforts must also focus on identifying and protecting vulnerable species to prevent further loss in biodiversity, ensuring the resilience of ecosystems crucial for human survival.
Original Source: www.energylivenews.com
