Introduction

Ecosystem changes due to climate change are a reality that our world faces today.  I want to share a study done by NASA- A computer modeling study that explains the situation and its seriousness if climate change is not arrested in the current times..

The report

The 'Climate Change' journal studies a projected model of the impact of climate change on plant life with explanations about the affect of rising temperatures due to human-produced GHGs, over the next 300 years.

As stated in the report, by 2100, plant species inhabiting nealy 50% of the planet will be affected by mutations and modifications due to climate change. This effectively indicates means that some ecological community types such as forests or tundras not be may the same any more, thus affecting the overall landscape of the planet.

The report also predicts increase in competition for survival on not only plant life but also animal life. This could lead to species turnover ie. certain species invading area that other species occupy. We humans too will not be left untouched by this change. We will be forced as well to adapt and relocate just like any other species of the plant and animal kingdoms. Furthermore all aspects of our lives will be affected directly or indirectly including water bodies, energy use, carbon cycle and so on.

Jon Bergengren, a scientist who led the study, believes that while most reports warn us about glaciers melting and sea levels rising, ecological consequences matter the most and will ultimately be the deciding factor of millions of lives.

The process and findings

The scientists used a computer model that can predict the spread of plant life to experiment with how multiple species would react to 10 different global climate simulations. These values based on the UN Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report were instrumental in providing a tangible resource to study the subject matter.

The results showed a shift of biomes towards the Earth's poles, with clear threat that the Himalayas, the Mediterranean area, East Equatorial Africa and various other areas would figure among the most impacted biomes on the planet. The elaborate study targeted a simple yet consistent and quantitative method to study, record and analyse the impacts of climate change on multiple ecosystems. This enabled a qualitative comparison of the results with other similar model projections. It also served as an indicative map that served as a guideline for scientists to highlight the areas that needed the most care and caution.

According to Bergensen, the surprising and drastic degree of ecological change that is predicted is not normal and should act as a boost for us to continue research and accelerate a distinct action plan to achieve marked results aimed at preservation of biodiversity by mitigating climate change and its adverse impacts.

Sources and References

https://climate.nasa.gov/news/645/climate-change-may-bring-big-ecosystem-changes/