Biodiversity redistribution under climate change: Impacts on ecosystems and human well-being
Pecl, G. T., Araujo, M. B., Bell, J., Blanchard, J., Bonebrake, T. C., Chen, I., Clark, T. D., Colwell, R. K., Danielsen, F., Evengard, B., Robinson, S. et al (2017). Biodiversity redistribution under climate change: Impacts on ecosystems and human well-being. Science, 355 (6332), 1-9. PDF.
Summary
Species’ geographical range limits are dynamic and can change over time. However, climate change is causing a redistribution of life on Earth on a global scale as species undergo range shifts to stay within their ideal climactic conditions. Therefore, these range shifts have potential consequences not only in ecological communities, but can also affect economic development and the provisions of ecosystem services. In their 2017 paper, Pecl et al. reviewed the impacts of climate-driven species redistribution on ecosystem health, human well-being, and the climate system. Climate-driven range shifts can lead to novel biotic interactions, which can have cascading effects on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Additionally, species redistributions are likely to impact human well-being through changes in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and aquaculture. There are also effects on the intrinsic and economic values of recreation and tourism, as well as health effects related to the potential spread of animal-borne pathogens such as malaria. Furthermore, range shifts have the potential to influence climate feedbacks through changes to carbon storage and the release of greenhouse gases. As range shifts continue to occur, increased cooperation and governance across multiple scales will be necessary to monitor and mitigate the effects of species redistribution. Increased communication between scientists, the public, and policy-makers as well as flexibility in responding to changing conditions will provide the best chance of minimizing negative consequences that arise from climate-driven range shifts.
Take home points
Range shifts can have important consequences not only on ecosystem health, but also on human well-being through changes to resource availability, the spread of pathogens, and economic impacts to tourism and recreation industries.
Increased collaboration and flexibility is vital for responding to the potential negative effects of climate-driven range shifts.
Management implications
Increased communication amongst scientists, the public, and policy makers can increase the effectiveness of management and monitoring programs.
Changes in species distributions across multiple spatial scales necessitates increased cooperation and governance across national borders and the global commons.
Keywords
Range Expansion; Impact Study; Review; Risk Assessment