|
Global biodiversity, already threatened by human-caused habitat loss, pollution and over-exploitation, now faces the additional threat of a rapidly changing climate - a threat which is predicted to become the dominant driver of biodiversity loss by the end of the century.
This loss of biodiversity has major implications not just for the variety of life on our planet, but also for the livelihoods of the many people around the world who are especially vulnerable to the loss of essential ecosystem services. As policymakers from around the world seek ways to help the poorest people to adapt to climate change, priority must be given to the role of biodiversity, an element often neglected from current adaptation strategies.
Moreover, just as biodiversity is greatly threatened by human-induced climate change, it also has the ability to reduce the impact of climate change on the planet - forests can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and mangroves and coral reefs can lessen the impact of climatic extremes on coastal regions.
Given the inextricable link between biodiversity and climate change, conservation of the world's biodiversity is now more important than ever.
 |
 |
|
Harriet Nimmo
Wildscreen Chief Executive
|
Richard Edwards
ARKive Director
|
|
