Climate change is a direct threat to biodiversity for several reasons. First, the global temperature rise may lead to a sea-level rise of 4-6 meters (How does climate change affect biodiversity?”). Such change will lead to a loss of habitat of millions of species that will not be able to adapt to the new reality. The disappearance of species may also be provoked by disturbance of the air’s chemical composition and a growing number of natural disasters (“How Climate Change Affects Biodiversity”). In Africa, the population of some animals may decrease by 50% by the end of the century, while 90% of coral reefs in the Pacific Ocean may disappear by 2050 (Harvey). In short, climate change is a problem that must be addressed to prevent the extinction of animals and insects.
Decreased biodiversity is a threat to humanity’s survival since it can distort the delicate balance in which our planet exists. For instance, bees in Europe and all over the world are dying due to climate change (“UN Biodiversity Report”). Since bees pollen most of the crops, such an event may lead to food insecurity and more deaths from starvation. Additionally, the extinction of certain plants may mean the rise of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere provoking further global temperature increase (Hoffman). If the Earth becomes too hot, people may fail to adapt to the new climate.
Despite all the negative information mentioned above, there is good news. Humanity can stop climate change and prevent the extinction of millions of species. However, the endeavor will be laborious since most of the aspects of regular life will need to change. People will need to consume less, change their dietary habits, and control the amount of waste they produce (“Climate Change and Biodiversity”). Even though it may seem difficult, humanity has to change its priorities to survive.
Works Cited
“Climate Change and Biodiversity.”Convention on Biological Diversity, Web.
Harvey, Chelsie. “Climate Change Is Becoming a Top Threat to Biodiversity.”Scientific American. 2018, Web.
Hoffman, Ary. “Climate Change and Biodiversity.”Science.org.au, Web.
“How Climate Change Affects Biodiversity.”Youtube, uploaded by Simpleshow Foundation. 2018, Web.
“How does Climate Change Affect Biodiversity?”Youtube, uploaded by California Academy of Sciences. 2014, Web.
“UN Biodiversity Report: What Extinctions Mean for Humanity | DW News.” Youtube, uploaded by DW News, 2019, Web.