Biodiversity redistribution under climate change: Impacts on ecosystems and human well-being

Abstract

Distributions of Earth's species are changing at accelerating rates, increasingly driven by human-mediated climate change. Such changes are already altering the composition of ecological communities, but beyond conservation of natural systems, how and why does this matter? We review evidence that climate-driven species redistribution at regional to global scales affects ecosystem functioning, human well-being, and the dynamics of climate change itself. Production of natural resources required for food security, patterns of disease transmission, and processes of carbon sequestration are all altered by changes in species distribution. Consideration of these effects of biodiversity redistribution is critical yet lacking in most mitigation and adaptation strategies, including the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals.

Environmental responsibility in hospital care: Findings from a qualitative study

“…One consequence of this is that animal species who depend on certain environmental conditions have to seek another location when their original habitat is no longer suitable for them in order to survive. [5] These kinds of consequences have already been seen around the world. As humans are dependent on ecosystem services, such as food production and fresh water resources, climate change is a serious threat for future generations, particularly in the areas close to the equator.…”

“…As humans are dependent on ecosystem services, such as food production and fresh water resources, climate change is a serious threat for future generations, particularly in the areas close to the equator. [5] One of the consequences of climate change is an increasing area of regions that are habitable to mosquitoes and the virulence of animal-borne infections, such as malaria. [5,6] In addition to climate change, the chemicals used in hospitals, such as mercury and medicines, disturb organisms in local habitats and eventually end up in humans through food chains.…”

“…[5] One of the consequences of climate change is an increasing area of regions that are habitable to mosquitoes and the virulence of animal-borne infections, such as malaria. [5,6] In addition to climate change, the chemicals used in hospitals, such as mercury and medicines, disturb organisms in local habitats and eventually end up in humans through food chains. [7] Controlling climate change and chemical emissions is central to environmental responsibility, which is based on ethical demands to protect people's health and wellbeing on Earth.…”

Ecological and socioeconomic implications of a northern range expansion of black sea bass, Centropristis striata

“…I recommend that future assessments target GOM sea bass to build upon these initial findings and enhance our understanding of the biology and population dynamics of sea bass in their newly expanded range. Finally, these findings apply more broadly to the global redistribution of species that is currently underway and expected to intensify (Pecl et al 2017), and emphasize the need to incorporate alternative assessment and management approaches to range shifting species. increased shelter usage and reduced foraging in lobsters, but contact history influenced the strength of these behavioral responses.…”

“…Species are shifting their distributions to avoid climatic stress, which is altering the structure and function of many ecosystems (e.g., , Pecl et al 2017). This movement is expected to intensify, and may already be occurring at unprecedented rates (Lawing andPolly 2011, Pecl et al 2017).…”