Journal of Water and Climate Change (Nov 2023)

A comprehensive review of climate change's imprint on ecosystems

  • Jyotsana Pandit,
  • Anish Kumar Sharma

DOI
https://doi.org/10.2166/wcc.2023.476
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 11
pp. 4273 – 4284

Abstract

Read online

In the 21st century, climate change, which is predominantly caused by human activities, has emerged as a major global concern. This paper examines in depth the profound and multifarious effects of climate change on ecosystems and the ecosystem services they provide. It further investigates the complex connections between climate change and ecosystems, focusing on terrestrial, aquatic, and marine habitats. Notably, we emphasize the unique challenges confronting ecosystems in Southeast Asia, a region of ecological significance where the ocean economy is fundamental to human livelihoods. Climate change threatens ecosystem services in numerous ways, including the provision of food and water, climate regulation, nutrient cycling, and cultural importance. We emphasize the potential transformation of ecosystems from carbon sinks to carbon sources, which has implications for climate control. Moreover, changes in disease vectors and altered landscapes raise concerns for human health and cultural traditions. We emphasize the importance of international cooperation, as exemplified by the Paris Agreement, in mitigating climate change collectively. In addition, we advocate for the inclusion of indigenous communities and traditional ecological knowledge in conservation and restoration initiatives. This paper concludes by emphasizing the profound interdependence between ecosystems and human well-being and the urgency of taking action. HIGHLIGHTS Climate change impacts on aquatic ecosystems, terrestrial ecosystems, ecosystem services.; Future management.;

Keywords