Climate change, biodiversity and eco-connectivity

Short introduction on the relationship between concepts

Climate change, biodiversity, and eco-connectivity are intrinsically linked, forming a delicate web of interdependencies in our natural world. Climate change, driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, has profound effects on both biodiversity and eco-connectivity.

At its core, climate change alters temperature and precipitation patterns, leading to shifts in ecosystems and threatening the survival of numerous species. Rising temperatures disrupt the delicate balance within ecosystems, affecting the timing of key life cycle events such as migration, reproduction, and hibernation. This can lead to mismatches in timing between species, causing negative cascading effects throughout the food chain.

Biodiversity, the incredible array of life on Earth, plays a vital role in mitigating and adapting to climate change. Diverse ecosystems are better equipped to withstand and recover from environmental disturbances. The presence of a variety of species ensures functional resilience and enhances ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water filtration, and pollination. Biodiversity acts as nature's insurance policy, providing buffers against the impacts of climate change and supporting human well-being.

Eco-connectivity refers to the interconnectedness of ecosystems, enabling the movement of species across landscapes. It involves maintaining and restoring corridors, such as rivers, forests, or green spaces, that allow for the free flow of genes, individuals, and ecological processes. These corridors enable species to adapt to changing climatic conditions by seeking suitable habitats and establishing new populations. They also facilitate genetic exchange, helping populations maintain genetic diversity, which is essential for resilience and adaptation.

However, climate change poses significant challenges to eco-connectivity. As habitats shift due to changing climatic conditions, species often struggle to keep pace. Fragmentation and loss of habitats can isolate populations, leading to reduced genetic diversity and increasing the risk of local extinctions. Disrupted eco-connectivity can hinder the ability of species to migrate and adapt, ultimately threatening their survival.

To address these intertwined challenges, it is crucial to adopt holistic approaches that prioritize the conservation and restoration of both biodiversity and eco-connectivity. Conservation efforts should focus on protecting intact ecosystems, restoring degraded habitats, and creating ecological corridors. By safeguarding biodiversity and promoting eco-connectivity, we can enhance the resilience of ecosystems in the face of climate change, protect vulnerable species, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our planet.

Climate change

Climate change is a complex and rapidly evolving topic, and scientific research continues to advance our understanding of its causes, impacts, and potential solutions. Here are some of the key findings and trends based on scientific research.

  1. Human-induced Climate Change: The scientific consensus is clear that climate change is primarily caused by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, which release greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has repeatedly emphasized the human influence on global warming. Current status and trends have been synthesized and reported especially for the policy-makers most recently in March 2023 by IPCC.

  2. Temperature Rise: Global temperatures have been rising over the past century, and the rate of warming has accelerated in recent decades. The IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) stated that the average global surface temperature has increased by about 0.85 degrees Celsius since the late 19th century, with most of the warming occurring since the 1970s.

  3. Extreme Weather Events: Scientific research has linked climate change to an increase in the frequency and intensity of certain extreme weather events. Heatwaves, heavy precipitation, droughts, and tropical cyclones are among the phenomena that have shown evidence of climate change influence. However, attributing specific events to climate change remains a challenging area of study.

  4. Sea-Level Rise: Ongoing warming has led to the melting of glaciers and ice caps, contributing to the rise in global sea levels. This poses significant risks to coastal communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems. The rate of sea-level rise has accelerated in recent decades and is projected to continue, though the exact magnitude and timing of future rise remain uncertain.

  5. Impacts on Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Climate change affects ecosystems and biodiversity in various ways. Shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns can disrupt ecosystems, alter species distributions, and cause habitat loss. Changes in phenology, such as flowering and migration timings, can affect ecological interactions. Ocean acidification, driven by increased carbon dioxide absorption, poses a threat to marine ecosystems and species, particularly those reliant on calcium carbonate structures like corals.

  6. Socioeconomic Impacts: Climate change poses significant risks to human societies, including impacts on food and water security, public health, and economic stability. Vulnerable populations, such as those in low-lying coastal areas or developing countries with limited adaptive capacity, are particularly at risk.

  7. Mitigation and Adaptation: Mitigating climate change requires reducing GHG emissions through transitioning to cleaner energy sources, increasing energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable practices across sectors. Adaptation strategies aim to manage the risks and build resilience to the changing climate. Both mitigation and adaptation efforts are essential for addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

It's important to note that new scientific findings and research continue to emerge, and staying updated with the latest studies and reports from reputable scientific sources, such as the IPCC, provides the most accurate and comprehensive understanding of climate change.

From BISON project perspective, the central messages from the chapters from the deliverable include underlined importance of climate change and its impact:

  1. Transportation technology is at the brink to a revolutionary change that may lead to a more efficient, cleaner, equitable and resilient sector where mobility is replaced by accessibility and (unnecessary) transport demand is reduced. Still these benefits may not suffice to compensate for the needs of the growing world population and increased living standards. More and new infrastructure will be built and it will crave inclusive and holistic approaches for people as well as for nature to approach sustainability.

  2. Climate change mitigation is now unquestioned and decarbonisation of the transport sector is central to the concept of sustainable development. However, to cope with the inevitable and existing impact on people and ecosystems, transport infrastructures as well as many other land use and engineering practices must adapt. These adaptation provide certain opportunities to improve conditions for Deliverable D3.4 Report on emerging trends and future challenges -- July 7, 2022 Page 10 of 125 biodiversity, but as with new infrastructure, it requires a holistic and inclusive approach to benefit from these changes.

  3. Nature-based Solutions provide a sustainable and economically viable alternative to conventional technical approaches for the environmental (and ecological) adaptation of infrastructure. They may not only assist in coping with climate change but also help to integrate infrastructure in the natural environment and reduce its negative impacts. Still, the concept is rather new and more development and experience is needed to obtain its full potential.

  4. Triggered by climate change, habitat exploitation and expanding transport, but also thanks to Naturebased Solutions and restauration/conservation achievements, infrastructure managers will increasingly have to deal with alien and native wildlife species some of which may be of concern to infrastructure facilities or to biodiversity. To control the biological threat and simultaneously provide for desired species, cross-sector strategies for the monitoring and management of biodiversity need to be developed and adopted.

  5. Traditional impact assessment is not sufficient to address the large scale and long term effects that accumulate from the various direct and indirect effects of infrastructure development, climate change and their repercussion on human societies. Evaluating the cumulative effects on nature and people alike requires a holistic approach but also a comprehensive monitoring system that also tracks the outcome of mitigation attempts.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the variety and abundance of living organisms present in a particular ecosystem, region, or the entire planet. It encompasses the diversity of species, genetic variation within species, and the variety of ecosystems and ecological processes that support life.

At the species level, biodiversity refers to the number of different species coexisting within a given area. It considers both the richness (total number of species) and evenness (relative abundance of each species) of the species present. High species diversity indicates a greater number of species and a more balanced distribution among them.

Genetic diversity is another important aspect of biodiversity, focusing on the genetic variation within species. It considers the different alleles, or gene variants, present in a population, which contribute to the adaptability and resilience of species. Higher genetic diversity provides more options for species to respond to environmental changes and reduces the risk of inbreeding and susceptibility to diseases.

Ecosystem diversity encompasses the range of habitats, ecological communities, and interactions among species and their physical environment. It includes diverse ecosystems such as forests, grasslands, wetlands, coral reefs, and freshwater systems. Ecosystem diversity contributes to the overall functioning of ecosystems, including nutrient cycling, energy flow, and the provision of essential ecosystem services, such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation.

Biodiversity plays a fundamental role in maintaining the health and stability of ecosystems. It contributes to the resilience of ecosystems by enhancing their ability to withstand disturbances, adapt to changing conditions, and recover from environmental stresses. Biodiversity also underpins essential ecosystem services that support human well-being, including food production, clean water, climate regulation, and cultural values.

Understanding and conserving biodiversity is a central focus of academic research in fields such as ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation biology, and environmental science. Scientists employ various methods, including field surveys, genetic analyses, ecological modeling, and remote sensing, to assess and monitor biodiversity patterns, understand the factors influencing biodiversity loss, and develop conservation strategies to protect and restore biodiversity at local, regional, and global scales.

Reference readings

  • Sandström, U. G., & Elander, I. (2021). Biodiversity, road transport and urban planning: A Swedish local authority facing the challenge of establishing a logistics hub adjacent to a Natura 2000 site. Progress in Planning, 148, 100463.

  • Spooner, P. (2015). Minor rural road networks: values, challenges, and opportunities for biodiversity conservation. Nature Conservation, 11, 129-142.

  • Bennett, V. J. (2017). Effects of road density and pattern on the conservation of species and biodiversity. Current Landscape Ecology Reports, 2, 1-11.

Eco-connectivity

Eco-connectivity, also known as ecological connectivity or landscape connectivity, refers to the degree to which landscapes or ecosystems are interconnected and allow for the movement of species, genetic material, and ecological processes. It describes the functional and physical linkages that enable organisms to move across habitats and landscapes, facilitating migration, dispersal, and gene flow.

Eco-connectivity is essential for maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems. It allows species to access suitable habitats, find resources, establish new populations, and respond to environmental changes such as climate change. Connected landscapes enable the exchange of genetic material between populations, promoting genetic diversity and reducing the risk of inbreeding, which enhances the adaptive capacity of species.

There are two primary forms of eco-connectivity: structural connectivity and functional connectivity.

  1. Structural Connectivity: This refers to the physical or geographical elements that facilitate movement and dispersal of organisms. It includes corridors, such as rivers, forests, or strips of habitat that connect fragmented areas, as well as stepping stones, which are smaller patches of suitable habitat within an otherwise unsuitable matrix. Structural connectivity can also be achieved through the presence of suitable habitat along migration routes or through natural features like mountain ranges or coastlines.

  2. Functional Connectivity: This encompasses the ecological processes that enable species movement and interaction across landscapes. It involves the functioning of ecosystems, including the flow of energy, nutrients, and other ecological dynamics, which can influence species movements and their ability to persist in a particular habitat. Functional connectivity considers factors such as predator-prey relationships, pollinator interactions, and dispersal mechanisms.

Maintaining and enhancing eco-connectivity is crucial for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem resilience. It allows for the exchange of genetic diversity, reduces the risk of local extinctions, and enables species to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Preserving and restoring ecological corridors and promoting landscape-scale conservation strategies are essential for fostering eco-connectivity and ensuring the long-term survival of species and ecosystems in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.

Reference readings

BISON outputs

By leveraging the outputs of the BISON Project and previous relevant projects, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners gain access to a wealth of data-driven insights and practical solutions. These resources enable evidence-based decision-making, effective conservation planning, and the development of sustainable strategies to address the intricate relationship between climate change, biodiversity, and eco-connectivity in this module. There are set of ways of solutions that can be found here.

Climate change impact on biodiversity and ways to cope with drastic outcomes

Climate change has significant impacts on biodiversity, leading to both direct and indirect consequences for species, ecosystems, and ecological processes. Some of the key impacts of climate change on biodiversity include:

Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns can cause shifts in vegetation zones and the loss of critical habitats. Many species have specific habitat requirements and are adapted to particular climatic conditions. As these conditions change, suitable habitats may become fragmented or disappear altogether, resulting in the loss of biodiversity.

Ways of Solution: European Defragmentation Map

Bundling of transport infrastructure (TI) with photovoltaic facilities and bundling of TI with one another: Standards for safeguarding biological diversity and for accelerating planning procedures.

Bundling is not automatically a mitigating precaution against increasing fragmentation, although if the interspaces or facilities are suitably designed, there may even be advantages in terms of safeguarding habitat networks. At first glance, bundling projects reduce landscape fragmentation, but when looking at a larger scale, it often becomes apparent that fragmentation effects are intensified by bundling and that reconnection measures can become impossible or very costly due to bundling. Instead of minimising negative effects on nature, bundling can lead to excessively increased land and material consumption, higher emissions, enormous barrier effects and excessive costs. Therefore, a comprehensive ecological and economic balance of bundling options and alternatives is always required. In any bundling, it must be ensured that ecological networks (biotope network / biotope connectivity / migration corridors) or their restorability are sufficiently safeguarded. For this purpose, preliminary standard requirements and proposed solutions are formulated and the corresponding need for research is outlined.

Species Range Shifts and Distribution Changes: As temperatures warm, many species are forced to shift their ranges to find suitable climates. This movement can lead to changes in species distribution patterns, as they migrate towards higher latitudes or higher elevations. However, some species may be unable to disperse quickly enough, leading to localized extinctions.

Altered Phenology and Synchrony: Climate change can disrupt the timing of key life cycle events, such as breeding, migration, and flowering. For example, warmer temperatures can cause species to emerge from hibernation or migrate earlier than usual. These changes can disrupt crucial ecological interactions, such as predator-prey relationships and pollination dynamics, leading to imbalances within ecosystems.

Increased Species Vulnerability: Climate change can exacerbate existing stressors and increase the vulnerability of species to other threats. For example, rising temperatures can weaken species' immune systems, making them more susceptible to diseases and parasites. Additionally, extreme weather events, such as heatwaves or hurricanes, can directly harm or kill individuals, especially those that are already under pressure from habitat loss or degradation.

Loss of Genetic Diversity: Climate change can reduce the genetic diversity within populations, as certain genetic traits become favored or disadvantaged under new environmental conditions. Reduced genetic diversity diminishes the ability of species to adapt to changing climates and increases their risk of extinction.

Coral Bleaching and Ocean Acidification: Climate change affects marine biodiversity through phenomena like coral bleaching and ocean acidification. Increasing ocean temperatures cause corals to expel the symbiotic algae living within their tissues, leading to coral bleaching and, in severe cases, coral death. Ocean acidification, caused by the absorption of excess carbon dioxide by seawater, can weaken the shells and skeletons of marine organisms, such as corals and shellfish.

These impacts on biodiversity have far-reaching consequences for ecosystem functioning, food security, and human well-being. It highlights the urgent need to mitigate climate change through reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as to implement strategies for the adaptation and conservation of vulnerable species and ecosystems.

Ways of solution for transport: Deliverable 3.4. Chapter 2 CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION AND MITIGATION OF TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURES AND RELATED EFFECTS ON BIODIVERSITY

Key messages from the deliverable

  • Climate change is already impacting human societies and ecosystems;
  • Public policies play a key role in mitigation and adaptation measures;
  • Mitigation (to prevent further acceleration of climate change) and adaptation (to reduce its impact on transport and environment) are essential
  • Adaptation offers opportunities to mainstream biodiversity in the transport sector by means of technical as well as nature-based solutions;
  • Decision-makers should employ tools to identify specific vulnerabilities in their territory and prepare adaptations measures accordingly.

Reference readings

Climate change impact on eco-connectivity and ways to cope with drastic outcomes

Relationship between climate change, biodiversity, and good quality of life
Figure 2-1: Relationship between climate change, biodiversity, and good quality of life. Blue arrows represent interactions that are predominantly threats. Source: Pörtner at al., 2021

Climate change can have significant impacts on eco-connectivity, disrupting the movement of species and ecological processes across landscapes. These impacts include:

  1. Altered Habitat Suitability: Climate change can shift the suitability of habitats, making previously suitable areas unsuitable for certain species and favoring new areas. This can lead to mismatches between species' ranges and available ecological corridors, hindering their movement and dispersal.

  2. Barrier Effects: Climate change can create physical barriers that impede species movement. For example, rising sea levels can inundate coastal habitats, fragmenting terrestrial ecosystems and limiting species' ability to migrate or access critical resources.

  3. Phenological Mismatches: Changes in the timing of seasonal events, such as flowering, migration, or hibernation, can disrupt the synchrony between species and their ecological interactions. Phenological mismatches can affect the availability of food resources, pollination services, and predator-prey relationships, further impacting eco-connectivity.

To cope with the drastic outcomes of climate change on eco-connectivity, several strategies can be employed:

  1. Protect and Restore Ecological Corridors: Identifying, conserving, and restoring ecological corridors that facilitate species movement is crucial. These corridors can range from natural habitats, such as forests and rivers, to man-made features like green spaces and wildlife corridors. Protecting existing corridors and creating new ones can enhance eco-connectivity and provide pathways for species to adapt to changing conditions.

  2. Enhance Landscape Connectivity: Implementing landscape-scale conservation approaches that promote connectivity across entire regions is essential. This involves land-use planning that considers connectivity, reducing habitat fragmentation, and promoting habitat connectivity in both protected areas and human-dominated landscapes.

  3. Assisted Migration: In situations where species are unable to naturally shift their ranges due to various barriers, assisted migration techniques can be considered. This involves translocating species to more suitable habitats within their potential range, helping them adapt to changing climatic conditions and maintain connectivity.

  4. Climate-Informed Conservation Planning: Incorporating climate change projections into conservation planning efforts is critical. By considering future climate scenarios, conservation strategies can prioritize areas that are likely to remain suitable for species and provide connectivity options in the face of changing conditions.

  5. Collaboration and Policy Interventions: Addressing the challenges of climate change and eco-connectivity requires collaboration among stakeholders, including scientists, policymakers, land managers, and local communities. Robust policy interventions and international agreements that prioritize biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation are essential to ensure coordinated actions and long-term success.

It is important to note that coping with the drastic outcomes of climate change on eco-connectivity requires a multi-faceted approach that integrates ecological, social, and political dimensions. Continual monitoring, adaptive management, and ongoing research are crucial to assess the effectiveness of conservation strategies and adapt them to changing circumstances.