Global warming is climate change caused by an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and its impact on biodiversity is very significant. One of the main impacts is habitat change. Many species depend on specific environmental conditions, and as temperatures rise, natural habitats such as forests, wetlands and oceans may be degraded or even lost. This causes shifts in the distribution of species, forcing them to adapt, move, or risk extinction. In addition, global warming increases the frequency and intensity of natural disasters such as floods, droughts and forest fires. These changes damage ecosystems, reducing species’ ability to survive. For example, fish and amphibian species are highly affected by changes in water temperature and salinity, which damage the structure of the food chain and disrupt their reproductive activities. Another impact is an increase in the diversity of invasive species. These species are often better adapted to higher temperatures and can take over native habitats, reducing local species numbers. The presence of invasive species also creates competition for resources, which can lead to population declines of native species. Extreme changes in weather patterns also affect the survival of species. For example, El Niño and La Niña phenomena can cause considerable temperature fluctuations, affecting reproductive timing and food availability. This of course disrupts the established ecosystem and causes an imbalance. In the world of flora, global warming has the potential to change plant growth patterns. Moving climate zones means that certain plants cannot grow in their natural habitat. As a result, the diversity of plant types decreases, causing the loss of certain species that serve important functions in the ecosystem, such as pollination and providing food for wildlife. Furthermore, the impact of global warming on genetic information must also be considered. With the extinction of species, we lose genetic potential that could benefit medical and agricultural research. Bioprospecting to discover new medicines is very likely to be hampered when certain species no longer exist. Overall, the impact of global warming on biodiversity is clear and demands serious attention. Efforts for rapid mitigation and adaptation are essential to protect the world’s increasingly threatened biodiversity.
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