A large part of the Earth’s biodiversity could face extinction by the end of this century if current greenhouse gas emissions are not controlled.
A study published in the journal Science reviewed more than 450 research papers over the past 30 years and concluded that the world’s species are facing increasing threats from climate change.
Study Findings
According to NDTV, the study conducted by University of Connecticut biologist Mark Urban examined different temperature rise scenarios.
According to the results:
Keeping global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius under the Paris Agreement can limit the risks of extinction.
Even with a 1.5 degree Celsius increase, about 180,000 species, or one in 50, could face extinction.
Projected Risks Based on Temperature Rise
The study warns:
If temperatures rise by 2.7 degrees Celsius, the risk will double, and one in 20 species could become extinct.
Higher temperature scenarios, such as 4.3 degrees Celsius, could push the extinction rate to about 15 percent, rising to about 30 percent at 5.4 degrees Celsius.
At-Risk Groups and Hotspots
Amphibians are particularly at risk because they depend on stable weather conditions for their life cycles, according to Mark Urban.
Ecosystems like:
South America, Australia, and New Zealand have been identified as hotspots for extinction risks because their isolation makes migration and adaptation difficult for their native species.
Impacts on Specific Ecosystems
Urban told Live Science that ecosystems like mountains and islands are particularly affected because their surrounding environments are often unsuitable for migration.
Conclusion
This research emphasizes global policy efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions and protect ecosystems.
