Joseph Ozigis Akomodi

1. Impacts on Biodiversity

a) Habitat Changes

Global warming induces changes in habitats and ecosystems, which directly affect many species. Rising temperatures cause shifts in vegetation zones and habitats toward higher latitudes or elevations where ecosystems are different, and many species are unable to adapt to new conditions. For instance, species living in colder climates, such as polar species, face habitat loss and may be threatened with extinction.

b) Changes in Phenology

Phenology—the seasonal cycles of plants and animals (such as migration, reproduction, and flowering)—is highly sensitive to global warming. Many species are adjusting their biological processes earlier in the year due to rising temperatures, leading to mismatches between predator and prey relationships, as well as disruptions in ecosystem interactions. For example, if plants bloom earlier but the insects that pollinate them do not migrate on time, pollination may be disrupted, affecting plant reproduction.

c) Species Extinction

Global warming is one of the contributing factors to the accelerated rate of species extinction. When species cannot migrate to new habitats or adapt to rapid environmental changes, they become vulnerable to extinction. These changes are particularly dramatic for species with narrow ecological requirements or those living in specific habitats, such as mountain and polar species.

d) Invasive Species

Warmer climates facilitate the spread of invasive species that may threaten native species. Invasive species often lack natural predators or competitors in new environments, allowing them to spread rapidly and outcompete native species, thus reducing biodiversity.

2. Impacts on Ecosystem Services

a) Climate Regulation

Ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and oceans play a crucial role in regulating the climate by absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂). However, global warming threatens the ability of these ecosystems to sequester CO₂. For example, forest ecosystems may become less efficient at absorbing CO₂ due to increased stress from fires, droughts, and diseases related to climate change.

b) Water Supply

Changes in rainfall patterns and glacier melt are altering water resources, affecting both ecosystems and human water needs. Droughts caused by climate change may reduce the amount of available freshwater, impacting agriculture, industry, and the biological communities that depend on water.

c) Agriculture and Food Production

Ecosystems play a key role in maintaining soil fertility and the stability of agroecosystems. Global warming, along with changes in rainfall patterns and the frequency of extreme weather events (such as floods and droughts), can reduce agricultural yields and threaten food security. Additionally, rising temperatures may lead to the spread of plant diseases and pests, which negatively impact crops and livestock.

d) Pollination

Many plants rely on pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds. Global warming can disrupt the seasonal cycles of pollinators and plants, which can negatively affect food production and the preservation of plant communities. Disruptions in these interdependent relationships may lead to a decline in biodiversity and a reduction in ecosystem services.

e) Land Restoration and Carbon Sequestration

Ecosystems like wetlands and forests play a critical role in land restoration, carbon sequestration, and flood regulation. However, due to global warming, these services are at risk. For instance, increased temperatures and droughts may reduce plant productivity, limiting the ability of ecosystems to restore land and retain water.

3. Extreme Weather Events and Risks to Ecosystems

The increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as storms, droughts, floods, and heatwaves, poses a serious threat to ecosystems and biological communities. These events can rapidly destroy habitats, reduce populations of certain species, and alter the structure of ecosystems. For example, heatwaves and droughts can lead to the extinction of plant and animal species that are unable to survive in new, extreme conditions.

Global warming has a wide range of negative effects on biodiversity and ecosystem services, which are interdependent and often reinforce each other. Changes in habitats, species extinction, disruptions in phenology, and the spread of invasive species pose direct threats to biodiversity. At the same time, the decreased capacity of ecosystems to perform vital functions such as climate regulation, water provision, pollination, and food production seriously endangers human security and well-being. These changes require urgent and coordinated action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve natural resources.

Pest infestation

When the climate begins warming in the spring and early summer, the ecosystem serves up flowers, food, and increased populations of plants and animals. Unless you're talking about some kind of "existential threat" or something, but that's a religious question and should be identified as such.

Extinction of endangered species