Ecosystem services are the helpful things we get from nature, like food, clean water, and natural beauty. But climate change is making these services worse, which can harm people too. Here are some key ways climate change impacts these important services:
Provisioning services are the products we rely on from nature, such as food and fresh water.
Food Production: Studies show that climate change can lower the amount of food we grow. A 2019 report said that by the end of the century, we might see a drop of about 2% in key crops every decade.
Fishing: Fishing in oceans could also drop, with some areas losing up to half of their fish. This is a big deal since over 1.5 billion people depend on fish as a main source of protein.
These services help control important processes in nature, like climate and water quality.
Carbon Storage: Climate change worsens the release of carbon into the air from things like cutting down trees. This contributes a lot to global warming. Wetlands, which help store carbon, are expected to lose up to 90% of their ability to do this because of rising seas and saltwater.
Water Management: Changes in rainfall because of climate change can lead to more floods or droughts. By 2050, about 1.4 billion people might struggle to access enough clean water due to these changes.
Supporting services are what keep life going on Earth, like nutrient recycling and making soil.
Losing Biodiversity: We are expected to see a big drop in wildlife. A report from the World Wildlife Fund in 2020 showed that global wildlife populations have fallen by an average of 68% since 1970. This loss weakens ecosystems and their ability to support life.
Soil Health: Climate change can hurt soil through erosion and less moisture. The Food and Agriculture Organization found that one-third of the world's soil is already damaged, making it harder for crops and plants to grow.
Cultural services refer to the non-material ways we benefit from nature, like enjoyment and recreation.
Recreation Effects: Climate change might change seasons and places we like to visit. For example, ski resorts in the Alps could see a 30-50% decrease in snow days by 2050. This would hurt local economies that depend on winter tourism.
Cultural Ties: Many communities have special connections to their local landscapes and wildlife. As these places change, it can threaten their traditions and cultural identity, leading to a loss of heritage.
In short, climate change is a big threat to ecosystem services, which impacts our food, water, wildlife, and cultural experiences. We need to act quickly to reduce harmful emissions and manage our natural resources better. Including these important aspects in policies will be vital to lessen the negative effects of climate change on ecosystem services and our well-being.
Ecosystem services are the helpful things we get from nature, like food, clean water, and natural beauty. But climate change is making these services worse, which can harm people too. Here are some key ways climate change impacts these important services:
Provisioning services are the products we rely on from nature, such as food and fresh water.
Food Production: Studies show that climate change can lower the amount of food we grow. A 2019 report said that by the end of the century, we might see a drop of about 2% in key crops every decade.
Fishing: Fishing in oceans could also drop, with some areas losing up to half of their fish. This is a big deal since over 1.5 billion people depend on fish as a main source of protein.
These services help control important processes in nature, like climate and water quality.
Carbon Storage: Climate change worsens the release of carbon into the air from things like cutting down trees. This contributes a lot to global warming. Wetlands, which help store carbon, are expected to lose up to 90% of their ability to do this because of rising seas and saltwater.
Water Management: Changes in rainfall because of climate change can lead to more floods or droughts. By 2050, about 1.4 billion people might struggle to access enough clean water due to these changes.
Supporting services are what keep life going on Earth, like nutrient recycling and making soil.
Losing Biodiversity: We are expected to see a big drop in wildlife. A report from the World Wildlife Fund in 2020 showed that global wildlife populations have fallen by an average of 68% since 1970. This loss weakens ecosystems and their ability to support life.
Soil Health: Climate change can hurt soil through erosion and less moisture. The Food and Agriculture Organization found that one-third of the world's soil is already damaged, making it harder for crops and plants to grow.
Cultural services refer to the non-material ways we benefit from nature, like enjoyment and recreation.
Recreation Effects: Climate change might change seasons and places we like to visit. For example, ski resorts in the Alps could see a 30-50% decrease in snow days by 2050. This would hurt local economies that depend on winter tourism.
Cultural Ties: Many communities have special connections to their local landscapes and wildlife. As these places change, it can threaten their traditions and cultural identity, leading to a loss of heritage.
In short, climate change is a big threat to ecosystem services, which impacts our food, water, wildlife, and cultural experiences. We need to act quickly to reduce harmful emissions and manage our natural resources better. Including these important aspects in policies will be vital to lessen the negative effects of climate change on ecosystem services and our well-being.