What is an effect of climate change on biodiversity?

Climate change has a profound impact on biodiversity, particularly by increasing extinction rates for vulnerable species. As temperatures rise, weather patterns shift, and ecosystems become altered, many species that are already at risk due to habitat loss, pollution, or other stresses find it increasingly difficult to survive. For example, species that depend on specific climate conditions may struggle to find suitable habitats as their environments change, leading to population declines.

The processes associated with climate change, such as habitat destruction, changing food availability, and increased competition from invasive species, often disproportionately affect those species that are already in a precarious situation. The extinction of these vulnerable species not only impacts the species themselves but also has cascading effects on the broader ecosystem, as each species plays a unique role in its habitat.

In contrast, increased biodiversity in all ecosystems would imply a general improvement in species richness, which is not a common consequence of climate change. Enhanced species adaptability, while hopeful in some scenarios, does not universally apply and certainly does not offset the increased risk of extinction for many species. Finally, the notion of stable habitats for all organisms is unrealistic in the current context of rapid climate change, as habitats are increasingly subjected to variability and disruption. Hence, recognizing the link between climate change and heightened extinction rates underscores