Biodiversity Loss and Its Impact (Lecture 08) - Environmental Studies PDF

Biodiversity loss and it’s impact (Lecture 08) Instructo r  What is Biodiversity? “Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, as well as...

Biodiversity loss and it’s impact (Lecture 08) Instructo r  What is Biodiversity? “Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, as well as the ecosystems they form” It is measured on three levels: o Genetic Diversity: Variability within species (e.g., genetic differences between individuals). o Species Diversity: Variety of species within an ecosystem or on the planet. o Ecosystem Diversity: Range of ecosystems, such as forests, grasslands, wetlands, and oceans.  Importance of Biodiversity 1. Ecosystem Services o Pollination of crops by insects. o Purification of air and water. o Soil fertility and nutrient cycling. o Climate regulation through forests and oceans. 2. Economic Value: o Provides raw materials for agriculture, medicine, and industry. o Nature-based tourism generates income for communities.  Importance of Biodiversity 1. Cultural and Aesthetic Value o Many cultures have deep connections with nature. o Biodiversity enriches human experiences through landscapes and wildlife. 2. Resilience o Diverse ecosystems are more stable and better able to adapt to environmental changes.  Causes of Biodiversity Loss Biodiversity loss is driven by human activities and natural processes, though the former is the primary cause. Here are the major drivers A. Habitat Destruction  Deforestation for agriculture, logging, and urban expansion destroys habitats.  Wetland Drainage for development eliminates ecosystems crucial for many species. B. Pollution  Air Pollution affects plant health.  Water Pollution harms aquatic life through chemical runoff, plastics, and oil spills.  Soil Pollution impacts microorganisms and plant growth.  Causes of Biodiversity Loss C. Overexploitation  Overfishing leads to the collapse of fish populations.  Illegal Wildlife Trade threatens species like elephants, rhinos, and pangolins.  Overharvesting of plants for medicine or food depletes resources. D. Climate Change  Alters habitats, making them unsuitable for native species.  Causes coral bleaching and polar ice melting, affecting species reliant on these environments.  Causes of Biodiversity Loss E. Invasive Species  Non-native species introduced by humans disrupt ecosystems by outcompeting or preying on native species. o Example: Kudzu vine in the U.S. and cane toads in Australia. F. Agricultural Expansion  Monoculture farming reduces genetic diversity.  Conversion of wildlands into farmland fragments habitats. G. Disease  Pathogens introduced to new regions threaten native species. o Example: Chytrid fungus affecting amphibians worldwide.  Impacts of Biodiversity Loss Biodiversity loss has profound consequences for ecosystems, economies, and human well-being. A. Environmental Impacts 1. Ecosystem Collapse o Loss of keystone species disrupts entire ecosystems. o Example: The decline of bees jeopardizes pollination and crop production. 2. Reduced Ecosystem Services o Soil erosion increases as forests are destroyed. o Water filtration declines as wetlands are lost. 3. Loss of Resilience o Ecosystems become more vulnerable to climate change, pests, and diseases.  Impacts of Biodiversity Loss B. Economic Impacts 1. Agriculture and Food Security o Declining pollinator populations affect global food production. o Fisheries collapse reduces protein sources for millions. 2. Loss of Natural Resources o Medicinal plants vanish before their potential is studied. o Degraded ecosystems offer fewer resources, like timber and clean water. 3. Tourism and Recreation o Loss of iconic species and habitats reduces ecotourism revenue.  Impacts of Biodiversity Loss C. Social and Cultural Impacts 1. Impact on Indigenous Communities: o Indigenous people rely on biodiversity for food, medicine, and cultural practices. o Habitat loss often displaces these communities. 2. Health Risks: o Reduced biodiversity increases the risk of zoonotic diseases (e.g., COVID-19, which is linked to wildlife markets). o Fewer medicinal plants reduce potential treatments for diseases. D. Global Implications 3. Climate Regulation: o Forest destruction releases CO₂, exacerbating climate change. 4. Interdependence: o Biodiversity loss in one region affects global ecosystems and economies.  Solutions to Conserve Biodiversity A. Individual-Level Actions 1. Support Sustainable Practices: o Choose sustainably sourced products (e.g., certified seafood, palm oil). o Reduce waste, particularly plastics. 2. Promote Native Plants: o Plant native species in gardens to support local wildlife. 3. Raise Awareness: o Educate others about the importance of biodiversity.  Solutions to Conserve Biodiversity B. Community and Regional Initiatives 1. Habitat Restoration: o Reforest degraded areas. o Restore wetlands and coral reefs. 2. Wildlife Corridors: o Connect fragmented habitats to allow species movement. 3. Local Conservation Projects: o Support conservation organizations and community efforts. C. National Policies 4. Protected Areas: o Expand national parks and wildlife reserves. o Strengthen regulations against illegal logging and poaching. 1. Sustainable Agriculture: o Promote crop diversification and agroforestry. o Regulate pesticide and fertilizer use. 2. Legislation: o Enforce laws to prevent wildlife trade and habitat destruction D. Global Efforts 3. International Agreements: o Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): Focused on conserving biodiversity globally. o CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species): Regulates wildlife trade. 4. Climate Action: o Addressing climate change indirectly protects biodiversity. 5. Funding and Technology: o Support developing nations in conservation through climate finance. o Use technology (e.g., drones, AI) for monitoring biodiversity