Based on an analysis of hundreds of studies, researchers from more than a dozen universities and non-governmental organizations around the world have concluded that every aspect of life on Earth has been affected by climate change. They used many techniques, including one called resurrection ecology in understanding how species respond to changes in climate by comparing the past to current traits of species, and a small and seemingly insignificant organism is leading the way.
Lead author Brett Scheffers, assistant professor in the department of wildlife, ecology and conservation at the University of Florida and researchers from twn countries found that more than 80 percent of ecological processes that form the foundation for healthy marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems already show signs of responses to climate change.
Global Warming Effects On Ecosystem And Human Beings
Some people did not expect the level of change. The impacts of global climate change on species and ecosystems affect humans, the authors said, since the consequences range from increased pests and disease outbreaks, unpredictable changes in fisheries, and decreasing agriculture production. Furthermore, impacts on our health could stem from declines in natural systems such as coral reefs and mangroves, which provide natural defense to storm surges, expanding or new disease vectors and a redistribution of suitable farmland. All of these only means an unpredictable future for humans.
Nature's Response Can Be Used To Look For Ways To Fix Global Warming Issues
"Genes are changing, species' physiology and physical features such as body size are changing, species are shifting their ranges, and we see clear signs of entire ecosystems under stress, all in response to changes in climate on land and in the ocean. Many of the responses we are observing today in nature can help us determine how to fix the mounting issues that people face under changing climate conditions. For example, by understanding the adaptive capacity in nature, we can apply these same principles to our crops, livestock, and aquacultural species," Scheffers said.
