Climate change could drive one-third of Earth's species to extinction by 2100

New research warns that up to one-third of Earth's species could face extinction by the end of this century if greenhouse gas emissions remain unchecked.

The study, published in Science, looked at 30 years of research from over 450 studies, shedding light on the severe risks climate change poses to global biodiversity. Amphibians, as well as species in mountain, island, and freshwater ecosystems, are identified as particularly vulnerable.

The research, led by University of Connecticut biologist Mark Urban, evaluates how various warming scenarios affect species survival. Meeting the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius could help mitigate some extinction risks, but even at this level, approximately 180,000 species - or 1 in 50 worldwide - would be at risk.

If temperatures rise by 2.7 degrees Celsius, the number of endangered species doubles. Under extreme warming scenarios, such as a 4.3-degree Celsius increase, nearly 15% of species could face extinction, with that number climbing to almost 30% at a 5.4-degree Celsius rise.

Amphibians are highlighted as one of the most threatened groups due to their dependence on stable climatic conditions for their life cycles. Urban noted that ecosystems in regions like South America, Australia, and New Zealand are especially at risk because their isolated geography limits the ability of species to migrate or adapt. Mountain and island ecosystems, in particular, face challenges as neighboring environments are often inhospitable for displaced species.

The study stresses the urgency of adopting robust policies to curb emissions and intensify conservation efforts. Urban stated that the findings remove any doubt about the link between climate change and species extinction, urging immediate global action. "This research highlights that the window for preventing catastrophic biodiversity loss is rapidly closing," Urban emphasized, calling on policymakers to enact decisive measures to protect ecosystems and curb global warming.