Climate change is a widely discussed topic, and beliefs and
opinions differ greatly concerning this issue. The cause of climate change is
the release of increasing amounts of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.
These greenhouse gasses capture the sun’s heat, allowing a smaller amount to be
dispelled into space than in the past. Scientists have predicted that
temperatures could increase by 6 degrees Celsius by the year 2100. While this
may not seem like a large change, its implications concerning the biodiversity
of the planet are huge. One effect of warming climates is the migrations of
species to higher areas that closer resemble the temperatures they’re used to.
This causes increased competition for resources and can lead to the endangerment
or extinction of many species. Another threat to biodiversity caused by climate
change is through disruptions to the food web. When climate change has an
impact on species at the bottom of the food web, it impacts all those who use
that species for sustenance. Species higher up on the food chain who prey on
primary consumers are also affected. An example of this is the change is polar
bear populations caused by changes in ice algae levels. Though the polar bear
does not rely on ice algae directly, zooplankton do. Zooplankton are then eaten
by arctic cod, which provide sustenance for seals, which are eaten by polar
bears. Changes at any level of the food chain can impact many species. One more
impact of climate change on biodiversity is that it can facilitate the spread
of pathogens, and allow them to spread into areas that previously would not
have been hospitable to them. These are just a few of many impacts that climate
change has on the environment, and while it may not appear that an overall
change in temperature by a few degrees could threaten biodiversity, it has wide
reaching impacts.
Sources:
Michelle, Meg. "How Does Climate Change Affect Biodiversity?" Science.
Opposing Views, 2007. Web. 04 May 2015.
EPA. "Ecosystems Impacts & Adaptation." EPA.
Environmental Protection Agency, 2014. Web. 04 May 2015.
Image: Copyright © 2009 Universal Press Syndicate
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