The majority of geographers are
comfortable with the concepts of climate change, but it is still worth
listening to James Hansen, who spoke about greenhouse effects and its possible
impacts. He stated that IPCC estimated 20-50% of all species would be ticketed
to extinction by the end of the century, assuming that we maintained our
current rate of consumption in fossil fuels. But for those who already have a
clear idea of all the long-winded theories of climate change, PLEASE watch the
following (if you only have a few minutes, start from 9:48) :
Lewis Pugh, did something amazing to raise the awareness of the need to mitigate climate change. His dream to travel to the North Pole has led to our, or at the very least, my realisation of what we are about to lose - "Watching those polar bears walking on thin ice, they might be gone in few years time".
It is clear that human activity is the major cause of climate change. Our unsustainable use of non renewable resources might have started to slowly destroy our own beautiful Earth long ago.
Many scientists and geographers have been engaging in research on this matter - humans inducing climate change, that in turn leads to destructive impact on species. Thomas and his team claimed that at the highest expected rate of climate change, 58% of species are expected to become extinct if there is no dispersal. On the other side of the coin, there will be To the least, 11% of species becoming extinct at the lowest expected rate of climate change. There is evidence of Coral Reef extinction due to global warming as well. Thomas and his colleagues have definitely raised this issue into concern. Questions have been raised - How great will the impact be? Is it just another natural process in the ecosystem?
Addressing the second question, I would say given the rate of possible extinction, it is just not natural. In some places, climate change has become the biggest threat along habitat destruction. Statistically, under minimum climate scenarios, montane Queensland forests would experience 7-13% extinction, but on the basis of habitat destruction only (within the rates allowed by the law) but not climate change, the percentage would be 0%. Although I suggested the direct link of climate change and extinction, human is the indirect cause towards the edge of extinction. After all, human development, industrial revolution and consumption of fossil fuels are the overriding reasons for climate change.
On another note, hope everyone is having a good and productive reading week!
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You may be interested in reading an argument made by another GEOG3057 blogger on whether a mass extinction is upon us, she seems to have an even more pessimistic view than yourself! : http://anthropocenebiodiversity.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/sixth-mass-extinction-just-around-corner.html#gpluscomments
ReplyDeleteNot really linked to climate change but definitely linked to people in a direct way. You may be sad to hear that the Western Black Rhino has gone now officially gone over the edge of extinction, and could soon be followed by the White Rhino and Javon Rhino . Mainly down to poaching overcoming the effects of conservation efforts.
I would argue that climate change is a factor that could cause extinction as demonstrated in my previous post. However, if we are talking about the next extinction, human definitely have major responsibility!
DeleteIt is indeed very sad to know that animals are leaving us! What is worth discussing is will there be other species appearing as animals evolve - but this requires other extensive reading and research i would say..
I will talk about how human impact extinction later - stay tuned! :)
Interesting and inspiring post - I can really tell how passionate you are about conservation. I am inclined to share your opinion but wonder what your response would be to a conservation-skeptic who may argue that, although climate change is likely to cause considerable species extinction, the dynamism of species and ecosystems means that new species will emerge who are adapted to the climate induced by global warming?
ReplyDeleteTo me it seems that the most worrying thing would be if there exists a sort of minimum viable biodiversity threshold that, if crossed, will seriously compromise the ability ecosystems to function...
This is exactly what I mentioned to Robert! I agree that there will definitely be new species that have evolved leading to the possibility of increase of biodiversity. However, this does not change the fact that some animals are becoming, or already extinct due to the circumstance.. Therefore, I think humans should be aware of the negative impact they are causing.
DeleteThe ecosystem is very complex and we humans have no control of it..all I am hoping to do is to raise awareness of people. After all, extinction of species will certainly trigger changes in the ecosystem - and whether those changes are positive or negative, it is beyond control.
Great post! Although my viewpoint may seem pessimistic, in the blog post that rob already mentioned, I completely acknowledge that there will be new species that are evolving while some are declining. However, this still does not change the fact that humans are having a devastating impact on the planet and that if this does not change then it is possible (not saying that it will indefinitely or immediately -but just that it is possible) that these new species that are evolving will become quickly extinct. As you say- it is beyond our control.
ReplyDeleteThanks! And I totally agree. My latest blogpost mentioned the possible hugely negative impact on species caused by human's actions.. it is quite depressing reading all these but I hope there is greater awareness over the issue now.
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