The global average temperature is increasing faster than many species can adapt. In the last 37 years, there has been an increase of 1,11 degrees, which may seem insignificant; however, the reality is very different. This change, although small, causes a serious impact on nature, as confirmed by a study of 1166 animal and plant species conducted by Diana E. Bowler of the Senckberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (Germany) together with other researchers from the Rey Juan Carlos University of Madrid and the National Museum of Natural Sciences (CSIC).
Animals and plants are accustomed to living in a specific area, so much so that if you took a Nordic animal, for example, to the Sahara Desert, it would have a very difficult time adapting. However, if that same animal were in an area where the climatic conditions were similar to those of its place of origin, it would adapt without difficulty and could even become naturalized and eliminate native species. This, although just an example, is already happening. Terrestrial species accustomed to living in warm areas are expanding, while populations of cold-zone species are declining.And speaking of aquatic animals, the study reveals that temperate water fish are moving toward the North Sea, where temperatures are cooler.
To reach these conclusions, The researchers analyzed a compilation of studies of 1758 local populations, with a total of 1166 species from 40 classes, among which were mammals, birds, lichens, plants, etc. Until now, only one, two, or at most three specific species had been studied. This is the first study to involve such a large number of animals and plants. Thanks to this type of study, "we can answer some of the most important ecological questions of our time," Bowler said.
A study by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicates that if the current rate of environmentally harmful human activities continues, 6% of insects, 8% of plants and 4% of vertebrates would lose half of their geographic rangeThe survival of the fittest becomes increasingly evident in this context; those species that manage to adapt to the new climatic conditions are gradually replacing others that lack the same capacity to adapt. Furthermore, it is important to mention that climate change and global warming are interrelated.
Changes in the behavioral patterns of species
Changes caused by climate change are also reflected in the behavioral patterns of many species. For example, migratory birds tend to arrive in Africa earlier and return sooner. Similarly, plant flowering and autumn leaf fall are occurring later and later. This imbalance in life cycles has significant implications not only for the species in question, but also for the ecosystems in which they live. A clear impact on ecosystems can be observed in the plants that are more exposed to frost.
The human factor plays a crucial role in this process. Activities such as overexploitation of water, inappropriate irrigation use, and poor agricultural practices are eroding the survival capacity of many species. These disruptive practices are exacerbated by the climate crisis, in which ecosystems face additional stress, causing a decline in biodiversity. In this sense, floodplain ecosystems are also being severely affected.
The proliferation of invasive species is another side effect of climate change. These species, introduced into new ecosystems, threaten native biological diversity, facilitated by the fragility that climate change makes their former refuges. This phenomenon is accentuated by the unsuitable conditions created in the habitats of many native species, leaving them vulnerable to competition from these new species. A clear example of this problem are the deserts threatened by global warming.
Marine ecosystems affected
Marine ecosystems are also suffering the consequences of climate change. Marine heat waves, ocean acidification caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and rising sea levels are some of the problems facing our seas and oceans. The combination of these factors creates a challenging environment for many marine species, which must adapt quickly or face extinction. In this context, the impact of climate change on animals is more notable. Also, the plant adaptation to climate change It is also a topic of growing relevance.
In particular, the movement of marine species toward cooler waters has been reported in multiple studies, indicating how higher temperatures are affecting the distribution of marine life. Researchers have found that this phenomenon has a significant impact on the productivity of marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Furthermore, research on the adaptation of mammals and birds to climate change is relevant to understanding these changes.
Impact on biodiversity in specific regions
In the European context, Andalusian biodiversity faces multiple challenges. Compounded by factors such as the aridity of the territory, extreme temperatures, and intense human activity through activities such as water overexploitation, irrigation, and poor agricultural practices, the current fragility of Andalusian ecosystems is evident. The Andalusian Biodiversity Strategy Horizon 2030 indicates that the region is characterized by an abundance and variety of life forms, but a report on the State of Nature in the EU published in October 2020 notes that European biodiversity, in general, is in decline. It is crucial that measures be taken to mitigate the global warming in cities.
If global warming continues to increase, the adaptive capacity of many ecosystems will be exceeded. This will cause changes that will affect not only the planet's biodiversity but also the water and food supply, leading to a greater risk of extinction in other species of flora and fauna and significantly affecting our production processes, contributing to a lack of resources and exacerbating famines in different areas of the planet. In this regard, you can consult more information about the flora and fauna of the boreal forest and their vulnerability in the context of climate change.
A notable example is the case of the Iberian lynx. Low genetic diversity and inbreeding have limited the recovery of this species, but genetic management carried out in the last two decades appears to have contributed to a significant recovery. The importance of genetic diversity for the resilience of populations is critical, as it allows species to adapt to drastic changes in their environment. This case highlights how proper management can help mitigate the effects of climate change on specific species.
There are still many gaps in genetic monitoring programs, especially in Mediterranean areas, where additional efforts are needed to preserve genetic variants that are essential for the long-term survival of several species. This highlights the need to improve conservation initiatives that respond to the threats that climate change imposes on biodiversity. It is also essential to study how Climate change affects different social groups.
Recent research has indicated that European fauna and flora are being displaced northward due to rising temperatures, leading to an increase in biodiversity in the north. This phenomenon has been documented in a study involving CSIC researchers, which verified that trends in local biodiversity in Europe are changing rapidly, with substantial differences between regions and ecosystems.
Rising temperatures are driving species from southern Europe to northern areas, while new species are being introduced to the south, better adapted to the warmer conditions present in the current climate. However, the disparity in biodiversity trends across ecosystems, such as the decline of seaweed versus the increasing bird population, indicates that not all species respond equally to environmental changes. Understanding how the .
The interaction between the effects of climate change and human activities, such as urbanization and intensive agriculture, exacerbates conservation problems. The occurrence of species adapting and others disappearing is a worrying phenomenon, underscoring the fragility of the current ecological balance. In this context, green infrastructures can offer effective solutions.
As data on how climate change is transforming biodiversity continues to accumulate, it becomes clear that the urgency of implementing effective conservation measures is critical. The challenge lies not only in protecting the most vulnerable species, but also in understanding and predicting future changes to ensure that biodiversity remains healthy.
The task of addressing climate change and its effects on biodiversity requires a joint effort by researchers, policymakers, and society at large. Continuous monitoring, appropriate genetic monitoring, and the implementation of sustainable practices are essential steps that must be taken to preserve the rich biological diversity of Europe and the world.
