Friday, November 11, 2016

Study:  Climate Change Already Dramatically Disrupting All Elements of Nature

Study in journal Science says every aspect of life on earth impacted -- from genes to entire ecosystems


Global changes in temperature due to human-induced climate change have already impacted every aspect of life on earth including arctic species like this bearded seal. (Credit: Kit M. Kovacs - Christian Lydersen NPI) Click to Enlarge.
  • Study in journal Science says every aspect of life on earth impacted -- from genes to entire ecosystems
  • Impacts to humans include increased pests and disease outbreaks, reduced productivity in fisheries, and decreasing agriculture yields
  • 80 percent of 94 ecological processes already show signs of distress
  • Authors say responses observed in nature could be applied by people to address mounting issues
"Policy makers and politicians must accept that if we don't curb greenhouse gas emissions, an environmental catastrophe is likely," -- senior author Dr. James Watson of WCS and University of Queensland

Global changes in temperature due to human-induced climate change have already impacted every aspect of life on Earth from genes to entire ecosystems, with increasingly unpredictable consequences for humans -- according to a new study published in the journal Science.

The study found a staggering 80 percent of 94 ecological processes that form the foundation for healthy marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems already show signs of distress and response to climate change.

Impacts to humans include increased pests and disease outbreaks, reduced productivity in fisheries, and decreasing agriculture yields.

"There is now clear evidence that, with only a ~1°C of warming globally, very major impacts are already being felt," said study lead author Dr Brett Scheffers of the University of Florida. "Genes are changing, species' physiology and physical features such as body size are changing, species are rapidly moving to keep track of suitable climate space, and there are now signs of entire ecosystems under stress."

Said the study's senior author, Dr. James Watson from the Wildlife Conservation Society and University of Queensland:  "The level of change we have observed is quite astonishing considering we have only experienced a relatively small amount of climate change to date.  It is no longer sensible to consider this a concern for the future.  Policy makers and politicians must accept that if we don't curb greenhouse gas emissions, an environmental catastrophe is likely."

Read more at Study: Climate Change Already Dramatically Disrupting All Elements of Nature

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