There is little argument that climate change affects biodiversity. The two are fundamentally interconnected in nature. As climate change impacts biodiversity, an acceleration occurs. Weather patterns change the makeup of each delicate ecosystem, and they adapt and cause further climate changes. Consequences are wide-ranging and are already beginning to affect human populations. The UK Government declared an environmental and climate change emergency in 2019. It is now imperative that mitigations are put into place to cope with these changes to minimise their potential damage. Conservation to manage the biodiversity of the country and sustainability drives are two measures. But more needs to be done, and this means opportunity. Addressing the climate change risk can help us build a sustainable future for the planet, life, and for long-term economic prosperity.
What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity, or biological diversity, is the name given to the vast array of life on Earth. It encompasses the microscopic life forms, such as germs and bacteria, to the largest life forms, like trees and coral reefs. The planet's biodiversity has been evolving over billions of years. Every ecosystem is inextricably and delicately linked to the next. The biodiversity of the Earth influences weather systems, sea currents, the absorption of carbon, the gasses naturally produced to create the atmosphere, the acidity of the oceans, and so on. Humans are disrupting this delicate system through deforestation, burning fossil fuels, vanishing wetlands, building cities and so on. Biodiversity has its own intrinsic value and is essential for human life. It also has value in terms of the goods and services that have grown up because of them, such as the food network. As more species go extinct and the ecosystems around them vanish and change, all systems will be affected. This potentially has some very negative outcomes.
How is Biodiversity in the UK Being Affected
Climate change is affecting biodiversity in the UK in various ways. Changes are being documented in all ecosystems and community compositions. There is a reduction in the abundance of species; their distribution and life cycles are changing. Rising sea levels are eroding coastlines and reducing land mass. Rising sea temperatures affect marine organisms, and the Ph level is becoming more acidic. Higher land temperatures are creating a greater propensity for drought. As the years progress, this will damage habitat and the ability of organisms to survive. Many may go extinct. Climate change will also affect biodiversity indirectly in the form of social, cultural, and policy changes. However, adapting to climate change can drive positive change in many ways.
How Adaptation Can Mitigate Damage
Climate change and damage to the UK's biodiversity are very real now. Even if all emissions are eliminated tomorrow, and net zero becomes a reality, climate change will not reverse due to inertia. The best solution we have going forward is to moderate the environment by accommodating this change, maintaining and increasing ecological resistance, and implementing it across all business sectors. By doing this, we enhance the biodiverse systems that have the power to mitigate the harm being done. Using the natural world to limit the escalation of climate change. To do this effectively, there needs to be a deep understanding of the UK's ecosystems and how they are connected to larger systems like our weather. It is through scientific investigation, research and impact studies that we will develop key adaptation strategies that will work in the long term. By harnessing the power of biodiversity and implementing it into our progression, we can begin to solve this crisis.
Actions Taking Place
The UK is already implementing many adaptation strategies to protect and enhance ecosystems. These include:
A biodiversity strategy policy based on the Natural Environment White Paper. DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs ) is the accountable body for the delivery of this policy.
Developing coastal defences.
Restoring coastal wetlands.
Upgrading floodplain management.
Improving the management of the marine environment.
Working in estuaries to ensure that main rivers have adequate outfalls.
Maintaining the flow of water and improving its quality.
There are several conservation projects ongoing, including the government's target of planting 30,000 hectares of trees a year. This, in effect, means trebling the number of trees being planted.
Agroforestry, where trees are planted in conjunction with agricultural land to create a more natural habitat.
Reducing air pollution and its effects on biodiversity.
Increasing awareness of biodiversity issues.
Creating buffer zones to protect habitat.
Habitat restoration.
Planning for nature.
However, with deeper knowledge and more understanding, we can develop better, more sustainable and greener human systems as well as manage the natural environment better.
Opportunities for Growth
Delivering a protected and biodiverse future that mitigates the effects of climate change is an opportunity for forward-thinking companies. Grant-giving bodies may award certain development bids if the biodiversity element is key within their proposal. They will need to clearly demonstrate a coherent and resilient ecological proposal that safeguards the various ecosystems for people and wildlife. This means that each business needs to do relevant background studies to understand the impact of the proposal and how this can be mitigated using the right adaptation strategy. Creating buildings, towns and cities that protect biodiversity and reduce climate change is the ultimate aim.
Conclusion
Climate change and its effect on the country's biodiversity are inevitable now, and this poses significant new challenges. There is scope to develop intelligent new human systems that protect the biodiverse ecosystems and help mitigate the damage of climate change. Creating adaptation strategies based on thorough fact-based research is the best way through this crisis.
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