Feedbacks Between Biodiversity and Climate Change

Abstract

Summary Climate, more specifically temperature, is one of the main drivers of large-scale biodiversity patterns, as warmer tropics harbor more species than colder high latitudes, constituting the latitudinal diversity gradient, the most pervasive ecological pattern on Earth. Understanding the impacts of anthropogenic global warming on terrestrial vegetation thus requires a basic understanding of how direct and indirect – mediated by biodiversity – climate change pathways impact ecosystem functioning. Plant litter decomposition and mineralization are key components of the global carbon cycle and represent more uncertainties in the climate–biodiversity relationship. The UN Development Program and Environmental Program consider the efforts to conserve biodiversity and climate as a key component for alleviating poverty and ensuring sustainable development. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services released its first Global Assessment report in 2019. Climate change is expected to have one of the most significant and potentially irreversible impacts on ecosystems.