Report on Managing Climate Change Impact on Threatened Species - Essay Example

Report on Managing Climate Change Impact on Threatened Species Name Institution Course Tutor Date Introduction Climate change is increasingly affecting various sectors in the economy. In the present context, it is considered as an urgent economic, social and environmental issue because of its impacts. It is a complex phenomenon as it affects global regions differently hence finding a common solution for managing it is another problem. These changes in climate are manifested through droughts, floods, rising sea levels, and damages to natural ecosystems and species. This is posing an increased risk to threatened species and human wellbeing in the years to come. For this reason, institution of ways for managing impacts of climate change on threatened species is imperative in ensuring its future survival. This report covers climate changes already experienced and those predicted to occur in the near future and discuss the way it impacts on the threatened species. Various management options for managing climate change by the stakeholders on biodiversity are also covered. The existing and continued emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere is increasing further warming and changes to climate on the Earth surface. The impacts of these changes are clearly visible across the globe and in particular, Australia. Hennessy (2011, p. 46) assert that the driest continent that is inhabited across the globe is Australia. It is becoming apparent that the country’s climate is changing as more rain is experienced in North-west Australia while southern and eastern parts of Australia are receiving less rain. Furthermore, there are fewer frosts, more heat-waves and droughts intensity have since increased in Australia (Hennessy 2011, p.46). They are expected to be more intense and frequent in the decades to come. The national assessments indicate that climate changes displace species with extreme temperatures exceeding some species habitable limits. It is therefore important to form ways of adapting to these unavoidable changes by constructing a good understanding of the climate change impacts. Conceptual Diagram Brief Discussion of the Model This model shows future climatic changes and the ways stakeholders such as government and ENGOs are doing in managing impacts of climate change on threatened species. Management of the climate change impacts is a complex task. The expected rise in sea-level, temperatures and summer rainfall will all have effect on the threatened species. Adaptation and mitigation are the two strategic measures that can be used in managing impacts of climate change on biodiversity. They complement each other and should be utilised together. Recovery plans are among the measures already taken by NSW government in ensuring that the threatened species survive climate change. They aimed at seeking identification of the threatening processes that acts on species, and then sets out research and management actions required in stopping the decline of the threatened species in Australia. Stakeholders involve in the management of change on the threatened species include commonwealth and state governments as well as various Environmental Non-Governmental Organisations (ENGOs). ENGOs include World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature- Australia, Australian Conservation Foundation and Wilderness Society. These ENGOs have been conducting reports on climate change and threatened species. They also advocates on environmental issues affecting biodiversity. Building of resilience programs is important in managing climatic changes and should be initiated and supported by all the stakeholders for future survival of Australian species. These programs are helping in building resilience among the threatened species to changes in climate. They are being carried out jointly by the Australian government and ENGOs. Climate Change and Threatened Species The existing and continued emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere is increasing further warming and changes to climate on the Earth surface. The impacts of these changes are clearly visible across the globe and in particular, Australia. Hennessy (2011, p. 46) assert that the driest continent that is inhabited across the globe is Australia. It is becoming apparent that the country’s climate is changing as more rain is experienced in North-west Australia while southern and eastern parts of Australia are receiving less rain. Furthermore, there are fewer frosts, more heat-waves and droughts intensity have since increased in Australia (Hennessy 2011, p.46). They are expected to be more intense and frequent in the decades to come. The national assessments indicate that climate changes displace species with extreme temperatures exceeding some species habitable limits. It is therefore important to form ways of adapting to these unavoidable changes by constructing a good understanding of the climate change impacts. It is not without any doubt that climate change has impacts on biodiversity. The most significant impact that climate change brings to Australian ecosystem may be loss of the unique animal and plant species in the country (Hennessy 2011, p. 51). It is projected that significant biodiversity losses are to occur in South-west Australia among other regions. The changes is already being experienced in the coastal ecosystems with some species migrating southwards particularly along the Australian South-east coast. In NSW, the future changes that are projected to occur due to climate changes include increased temperatures, rising sea levels, possibility of decreased rainfall, increase of severe droughts and regional flooding (Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (DECCW) 2010, p.05). In the past, Australia has already experienced climate change cycles. Nevertheless, the changes that are experienced at the moment are more severe due changes in rate of atmospheric temperatures and levels of greenhouse gases (Hare 2010, p. 177). Moreover, the ecosystems have already been stressed through actions of human beings. Coastal ecosystems, rainforests, and alpine areas are among the vulnerable ecosystems. It is expected that the tropical forests types in Australia are projected to reduce by half due to climate change (Hare 2010, p. 178). The species that are living in restricted climatic niches and those unable to undertake migration to new habitats because of no alternatives or habitat fragmentation could become extinct or endangered (Maggini 2013, p. 02). No change is limited or specific to certain animal species or one ecosystem. A certain area may experience periods of longer drought while another one is experiencing higher rainfall. This complex situation ensures that there is a difficulty in predicting and hence managing change. In some cases, some species have adapted to climatic changes in the recent past. However, the changes being experienced now are so rapid for evolution hence no adaptation by animal species will materialised in time (Fowler 2010, p. 01). On the other hand, extinction and evolution have been driven by climatic long-term changes, with ecosystems and species that are surviving today have successfully adapted to these changes. Generally, species located on arid and semi-arid areas are better adapted to extremely variable rainfall than most of the coast and tropical species where rainfall is both more reliable and regular (DECCW NSW 2010, p.04). Assessing likely impacts of change on ecosystems and future variability of climate will be done in a better manner by understanding ecological impacts of the past climatic patterns. The changes in climate have already happened in Australia and all over the whole. In particular, NSW is projected to undergo some likely changes in the near future up-to the year 2050. They include increasing temperatures, slight increases in summer rainfall and decrease in rainfall experience in winter, and rise in sea-level (DECCW NSW 2010, p. 05). These changes will impact heavily on the threatened species in Australia. The threat of climate change to biodiversity in Australia and especially New South Wales (NSW) and ACT biodiversity depends on how the threatened species manages to adapt to changes in availability of land and water use in the wake of invasion into their habitats by new species. Estimations put around 55% of species in Australia will undergo declines in population due to climate changes (Fowler 2010, p. 01). This is a huge figure and strategies and mechanisms to deal with climatic changes should be instituted immediately in ensuring that the populations of threatened species do not decrease by such a large figure. Climate change affects and will continue to affect biodiversity in ways that are complex and mostly unpredictable. It is expected that the present threats to biodiversity that includes loss of habitat, animal pests, weeds and drought are all expected to intensify due to climate change. Change of behaviour, evolution and movement to areas with suitable climate are some of the ways species have survived the previous climatic changes (Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) NSW 2009, p. 02). It may be more difficult for the threatened species to use these kinds of strategies in periods where the change in climate is rapid. This is true especially where habitats of these species has been isolated or degraded. Koalas, South bell frogs, Mountain pygmy-possums, Regent honeyeaters and Malleefowl are the wildlife under threat due to climate change in Australia (DECCW NSW 2009, p.03). It may be important to understand how these species survive and ways climate change affects them so as to institute effective solutions in managing climate change impacts. Change in climate is not an Australian problem but rather it is a worldwide economic and environment problem. Wildlife is among key sectors of the economy that is threatened by climate change. Australia has some species that are not found on any other continent in the world. In particular, NSW has distinct native plants and animals that are found in alpine, coastal, arid and sub-tropical habitats. If these species are threatened by changes in climatic conditions, then there is likelihood that in the next few years or decades these species may be totally extinct globally. Koalas are threatened by bushfires because they cannot escape from bushfires which are large. Additionally, low-intensity burns can kill them. If because of climate change bushfires are intensified or become more frequent, the populations of Koalas are likely to reduce in number. Southern bell frogs are now found on few isolated swampy populations and expected changes in rainfall will affect their breeding. They breed after flooding and standing water staying for several months is needed for developments of tadpoles. When water reduces or is insufficient, no development of tadpoles will materialise hence they are likely to disappear in some areas. Mountain pygmy-possums are among the threatened species. About five hundred adults (500) of these species are remaining in NSW (DECCW NSW 2009, p. 03). Changes in climate cause an increased exposure to these species. Snow cover is responsible for provision of insulation during winter hibernation. Mountain pygmy-possums will be exposed to lower temperatures when snow cover decreases hence making them unable to cope. On the other hand, if snow melts early, arousal by them may occur before arrival of bogong moths- their food. They will therefore need alternative food which may need a wider searching. In this case, they are exposing themselves to predatory foxes and cats. Ecosystems are under threat from climate change which consequently impact on the threatened species. Coastal wetlands are important as fish breeding grounds. They absorb pollutants hence purifying water. Sea-level is anticipated to rise resulting in permanent cover of saltwater on low-lying land- hence causing significant changes to coastal wetlands. Inundation reduces amount and size of breeding habitat for native fish and waterbirds. Moreover, inland river systems and wetlands in NSW are also breeding habitats for native fish and waterbirds. Reduction of rainfall and high temperatures expected to happen due to climatic changes in inland areas will result in more pressure to flow of rivers. Absence of sufficient water may lead to drying up of some regional wetlands. If contraction of wetlands happens, habitat and waterbirds breeding sites will also contract. Extinction of wildlife has been occurring over the last several centuries. The world has lost many of its species through extinction. It mostly occurs when changes in the species environment are beyond their ability to adapt. Massive declines and extinctions of birds, frogs and mammals are well documented because sufficient information exists quantifying their losses. In particular, the extinction and decline of mammals is worst recorded in Australia than any other country in the world (Steffen et al., 2009, p. 49). Furthermore, many of species in Australia have already attained low numbers thus having no effective role in ecosystems function. Maggini et al., (2013, p.02) in their study discovered that of the 149 threatened animals, 11 and 59 of 355 threatened animals considered could lose completely their suitable climatic ranges by 2085 due to ‘business as usual’ changes in climate scenario. Furthermore, 4 plant species are certainly facing extinction because of total loss of suitable climatic range. It is therefore imperative to institute management strategies and principles to deal with climate change issues to threatened species and in complementing already set out management practices and principles. The strategies should focus more on maintenance of all biodiversity (communities, species, genes and ecosystems) rather than on threatened species alone. Moreover, because of changes in climate, biodiversity conservation policy at all levels of government should specifically identify what biodiversity qualities are being conserved. Stakeholders and their Roles The present management approaches in dealing with invasive species in the country include bio-security in preventing introduction of new species into the country (Steffen et al., 2009, p. 131). This has been undertaken through the joint effort from Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). It has play different roles in biodiversity conservation. For example, World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature- Australia has been undertaking production of reports about climate change and biodiversity. Australian Conservation Foundation and Wilderness Society have been traditionally focusing their activities on community awareness, campaigns and political advocacy on various environmental issues affecting biodiversity. Managing threatening processes to endangered species is increasingly becoming a difficult task as climate change is rapidly changing. The direct impact of climate change on threatening processes to biodiversity is with no doubt important but it is also difficult to predict. Good management practices are needed especially under climate changes for purposes of maintaining functional and resilience ecosystem. One of the actions that have been initiated and taken by the stakeholders such as government and Environmental Non-Governmental Organisations (ENGOs) is recovery plans for the threatened species. Recovery plans aims at seeking identification of the threatening processes that acts on species, and then sets out research and management actions required in stopping the decline and support species recovery (Steffen et al., 2009, p. 131). Recovery plan aims at maximising long-term survival of threatened species in Australia. Mostly, this approach is directed in response to management principles for facilitation of population increases of threatened species. Additionally, it is also directed towards addressing important threatening processes. The government of Australia and state legislations promotes preparation and implementation of recovery plans. Response to Climate change In responding to climate change on threatened species, it is worth to be noted that some species may successful adapt, others may evolve or move to other locations when conditions become unsuitable. Options for adaptation purposes must be assessed in ecosystems in making sure that the best investments are undertaken in conserving them. Complementary measures such as adaptation and mitigation are two options that can be used in reduction of climate change impacts on biodiversity (Steffen et al., 2009, p. 49). Mitigation is a method that seeks to limit global future changes in climate through reduction of greenhouse gases emissions and removal of gases presently in our environment. Emission control measures should be used in reducing greenhouse gases emissions while carbon sinks is suitable in removal of gases that are currently present in the atmosphere. Green house gases emanates from various sources hence effective mitigation requires a concerted and join effort from all the stakeholders including industry players, government and individuals. Reduction of emissions lessens rate and magnitude of change that occurred to ecosystems and species (DECCW NSW 2010, p. 11). On its own, mitigation is not enough in management of climate change impacts on threatened species. Adaptation measures are crucial in reduction of biodiversity vulnerability to unavoidable climate change. Adaptation aims at increasing ecosystems resilience. It is also important in decreasing risk of ecosystem undergoing degradation or collapsing. Policies and Legislation In NSW, there exist management of natural resource and conservation of biodiversity programs that are already helping building of resilience of threatened species to changes in climate. They are reducing the threats to survival of these species. Some of the current programs include regulation of native vegetation clearance. This is a crucial step in protection of remnant native vegetation which will increase the capacity of species persisting in the wake of climate change. It is regulated through the use of 2003 legislation- Native Vegetation Act. There have also been introduction of protected area network in NSW which has been consistently built and managed. Laudable efforts have been carried out by Australian governments in improving the protected area system. It has promulgated a more systematic approach for purposes of identifying and establishing new reserves in creating National Reserve System (NRS) based on adequacy, representativeness and adequacy. Additional protected areas should be created in eliminating the present threatening processes, promotion of biological permeability and in restoration of ecological processes (Mackey, Watson, Hope, & Gilmore 2008, p. 16). Over the last two decades, conservation of biodiversity in managing threatened species has been maintenance of authority redistribution for management of natural resources. The policies that have been crafted at both national and state governments have some common elements. They are consistent in regulation of all sectors affecting biodiversity with underpinning programs. In addition, they also recognise the need for undertaking of partnerships with industry players and the general community (Steffen et al., 2009, p. 161). The ACT Nature Conservation Strategy of 1997 at Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and the 2007 NSW Biodiversity and Climate Change Adaptation Framework in NSW are some of the policies adopted for biodiversity conservation. Conclusion Climate change is a worldwide problem that needs to be tackled as it affects the general life of biodiversity. Australia species are being threatened by these changes and some of its unique species may disappear completely if proper management strategies are not taken. In light of this, new approaches should be adopted in successfully tackling and managing impacts of climate change on threatened species. Enhancement of resilience in ecological systems, creation of landscape that maximises adaptation opportunities and expansion and augmentation of the reserve are some of the new approaches that need to be undertaken. References Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) NSW 2010, Priorities for Biodiversity Adaptation to Climate Change, Accessed 13 October 2014, >http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/biodiversity/10771prioritiesbioadaptcc.pdfhttp://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/biodiversity/09303ccflier.pdfhttp://www.awrc.org.au/uploads/5/8/6/6/5866843/fowler_globalwarming.pdf Read More

Climate Change and Threatened Species The existing and continued emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere is increasing further warming and changes to climate on the Earth surface. The impacts of these changes are clearly visible across the globe and in particular, Australia. Hennessy (2011, p. 46) assert that the driest continent that is inhabited across the globe is Australia. It is becoming apparent that the country’s climate is changing as more rain is experienced in North-west Australia while southern and eastern parts of Australia are receiving less rain.

Furthermore, there are fewer frosts, more heat-waves and droughts intensity have since increased in Australia (Hennessy 2011, p.46). They are expected to be more intense and frequent in the decades to come. The national assessments indicate that climate changes displace species with extreme temperatures exceeding some species habitable limits. It is therefore important to form ways of adapting to these unavoidable changes by constructing a good understanding of the climate change impacts. It is not without any doubt that climate change has impacts on biodiversity.

The most significant impact that climate change brings to Australian ecosystem may be loss of the unique animal and plant species in the country (Hennessy 2011, p. 51). It is projected that significant biodiversity losses are to occur in South-west Australia among other regions. The changes is already being experienced in the coastal ecosystems with some species migrating southwards particularly along the Australian South-east coast. In NSW, the future changes that are projected to occur due to climate changes include increased temperatures, rising sea levels, possibility of decreased rainfall, increase of severe droughts and regional flooding (Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (DECCW) 2010, p.05). In the past, Australia has already experienced climate change cycles.

Nevertheless, the changes that are experienced at the moment are more severe due changes in rate of atmospheric temperatures and levels of greenhouse gases (Hare 2010, p. 177). Moreover, the ecosystems have already been stressed through actions of human beings. Coastal ecosystems, rainforests, and alpine areas are among the vulnerable ecosystems. It is expected that the tropical forests types in Australia are projected to reduce by half due to climate change (Hare 2010, p. 178). The species that are living in restricted climatic niches and those unable to undertake migration to new habitats because of no alternatives or habitat fragmentation could become extinct or endangered (Maggini 2013, p. 02). No change is limited or specific to certain animal species or one ecosystem.

A certain area may experience periods of longer drought while another one is experiencing higher rainfall. This complex situation ensures that there is a difficulty in predicting and hence managing change. In some cases, some species have adapted to climatic changes in the recent past. However, the changes being experienced now are so rapid for evolution hence no adaptation by animal species will materialised in time (Fowler 2010, p. 01). On the other hand, extinction and evolution have been driven by climatic long-term changes, with ecosystems and species that are surviving today have successfully adapted to these changes.

Generally, species located on arid and semi-arid areas are better adapted to extremely variable rainfall than most of the coast and tropical species where rainfall is both more reliable and regular (DECCW NSW 2010, p.04). Assessing likely impacts of change on ecosystems and future variability of climate will be done in a better manner by understanding ecological impacts of the past climatic patterns. The changes in climate have already happened in Australia and all over the whole. In particular, NSW is projected to undergo some likely changes in the near future up-to the year 2050.

They include increasing temperatures, slight increases in summer rainfall and decrease in rainfall experience in winter, and rise in sea-level (DECCW NSW 2010, p. 05).

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