The Influences of Species Extinction on Climate Change | CBCGDF Climate Working Group Research

Species extinction is a disaster process that has been accelerated by human activities, leading to a loss of biodiversity worldwide. While the direct consequences of species extinction are well studied, the indirect impacts on climate change are often overlooked.

One of the critical ways in which species extinction influences climate change is the disruption of ecosystem services. Ecosystems rely on a delicate balance of various species to function properly, such as plant pollination, and water purification. As species disappear, these ecosystem services are compromised, leading to imbalances in water and other substances cycles, ultimately contributing to climate change. 

Another one is that plants and trees play a vital role in capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. However, with the extinction of plant species, the capacity for carbon sequestration diminishes, resulting in higher levels of CO2 in the atmosphere, which intensifies the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming and subsequent climate change.

Species extinction can disrupt food chains and lead to unforeseen consequences in ecosystems. For example, the decline of predators can result in an overabundance of prey species, altering vegetation patterns and causing changes in carbon storage capacities. These disruptions cascade through the ecosystem, influencing climate-related processes and exacerbating climate change.

The loss of key species within an ecosystem can impact local weather patterns and climate. For instance, the extinction of certain plant species can lead to desertification or increased frequency of extreme weather events like droughts or floods. These changes in local climates can have far-reaching effects on global climate systems.

Translator: Richard

Checked by Sara

Editor: Richard

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