Understanding Species Extinction: Causes, Consequences, and What You Can Do to Help

Imagine a small bird living on a mountain that feeds on berries from a specific tree. This tree can only grow at a certain height, in a unique climate that has developed over many years. As the planet warms, both the bird and the tree need to move up the mountain to stay in their ideal conditions. But what happens when they reach the peak with nowhere else to go?

This situation is part of what scientists call the “escalator to extinction.” It highlights how climate change is pushing plants and animals out of their homes. Mark Urban, a biologist at the University of Connecticut, has been studying this issue. He reviewed numerous studies to better understand how various species might react to climate change. His findings paint a troubling picture, especially as temperatures rise.

Urban discovered that if we keep global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, about 1.8% of species may face extinction by the end of the century. However, if temperatures rise by four or five degrees, that number could soar to 30%. Cristian Román-Palacios, a scientist from the University of Arizona, noted that this might be a conservative estimate. The complexities of how species respond to extreme temperatures are still not fully understood.

Many creatures might struggle to survive, and ecosystems could collapse as species vanish one after another. Additionally, many rare species are still unknown to science, making it difficult to assess their vulnerability. John Wiens, another biologist from the University of Arizona, emphasizes the importance of broad studies like Urban’s to identify threats to biodiversity.

To protect our planet’s biodiversity, we need to preserve natural habitats, such as national parks. However, this alone may not be enough to shield species from climate change. Wiens pointed out that even with protected areas, a third of Earth’s species could still go extinct if carbon emissions continue unchecked.

Currently, the Earth has warmed by about 1.3 degrees Celsius since preindustrial times, which could threaten 1.6% of species by 2100. If emissions persist at this rate, up to 5% of species could disappear. The risks magnify at higher temperatures; nearly 15% could be in danger at a rise of 4.3 degrees, while 29.7% could vanish at 5.4 degrees. Urban’s study highlights that amphibians, including frogs, are particularly at risk due to their sensitive habitats.

So far, scientists have documented around 2 million species, but some estimates suggest there are closer to 10 million. If Urban’s analysis is correct, up to 160,000 species could be lost, and under dire conditions, nearly 3 million could disappear.

Urban’s research serves as a wake-up call. It poses a crucial question for decision-makers: Will we take action now to cut carbon emissions and protect the species at risk, or will we ignore the signs and face the consequences?