Climate Change Impacts in Colombia

Climate Change Impacts

• Rising temperatures in Colombia: 0.2°C per decade (1970-2010)
• Projected temperature increase: 2-3°C by 2050, 4-5°C by 2100
• Impacts on biodiversity:
  • Changes in species distribution and migration patterns
  • Disruption of phenological events (e.g., flowering, breeding)
  • Increased risk of extinction for temperature-sensitive species

Biodiversity Hotspots

• Colombia is home to 10% of global biodiversity
• 5 biodiversity hotspots in Colombia:
  1. Chocó-Darien-Western Ecuador
  2. Cauca Valley
  3. Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
  4. Andes Tropical
  5. Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena
• These hotspots are characterized by:
  • High endemism rates
  • High levels of species richness
  • Threats from habitat destruction, fragmentation, and degradation

Andean Ecosystems

• The Andes mountain range in Colombia:
  • Supports a wide range of ecosystems, including:
    • Glaciers
    • High-altitude grasslands (páramos)
    • Cloud forests
    • Dry forests
  • Provides essential ecosystem services, including:
    • Water regulation
    • Soil conservation
    • Carbon sequestration

Thermal Floor Classification

• Thermal floors are temperature-based zones in the Andes:
  • Classified into 5 thermal floors:
    1. Glacial (>4,500 m)
    2. High-altitude (>3,500 m)
    3. Medium-altitude (2,500-3,500 m)
    4. Low-altitude (1,500-2,500 m)
    5. Tropical (<1,500 m)
• Each thermal floor has distinct:
  • Vegetation types
  • Climate conditions
  • Soil characteristics
  • Biodiversity patterns

Climate Change Impacts

• Colombia's temperature has risen by 0.2°C per decade between 1970 and 2010
• The country's temperature is projected to increase by 2-3°C by 2050 and 4-5°C by 2100
• Climate change affects biodiversity by altering species distribution and migration patterns, disrupting phenological events, and increasing the risk of extinction for temperature-sensitive species

Biodiversity Hotspots

• Colombia is home to 10% of the world's biodiversity
• The country has five biodiversity hotspots: Chocó-Darien-Western Ecuador, Cauca Valley, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Andes Tropical, and Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena
• Characteristics of these hotspots include high endemism rates, species richness, and threats from habitat destruction, fragmentation, and degradation

Andean Ecosystems

• The Andes mountain range in Colombia supports a range of ecosystems, including glaciers, high-altitude grasslands, cloud forests, and dry forests
• The Andes provide essential ecosystem services, such as water regulation, soil conservation, and carbon sequestration

Thermal Floor Classification

• Thermal floors are temperature-based zones in the Andes, classified into five categories
• The five thermal floors are: Glacial (>4,500 m), High-altitude (>3,500 m), Medium-altitude (2,500-3,500 m), Low-altitude (1,500-2,500 m), and Tropical (<1,500 m)

Thermal Floor Classification

• Thermal floors in Colombia are categorized into four types based on temperature and altitude:
• Tropical floor (0-900m): characterized by a hot and humid climate, with dense rainforests
• Sub-Andean floor (900-2,400m): warm and humid, featuring cloud forests
• Andean floor (2,400-3,500m): cool and humid, with páramo ecosystems
• Glacial floor (above 3,500m): cold and humid, with alpine ecosystems

Andean Ecosystems

• Andean ecosystems in Colombia are notable for:
• High biodiversity due to varied topography and climate
• Presence of endemic species adapted to specific thermal floors
• Importance of páramo ecosystems, which cover 10% of Colombia's territory and: + Provide 70% of the country's freshwater + Support high levels of endemism

Climate Change Impacts

• Climate change affects biodiversity in Colombian Andean ecosystems through:
• Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns
• Upslope shifts of thermal floors, altering species distributions
• Increased risk of extinction for endemic species adapted to specific thermal floors
• Increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods
• Impacts on ecosystem services, including water provision and regulation

This quiz explores the impacts of climate change on biodiversity in Colombia, including rising temperatures, species distribution, and extinction risks. It also covers biodiversity hotspots in the country.