Written by Blessing Taiwo for TGED Foundation  

25/07/2024

In the vast canvas of our planet, there’s a hidden artist at work, painting strokes of color and life across landscapes as diverse as the Amazon rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. This artist is known as biodiversity: the dazzling array of plants, animals, and microorganisms that call Earth home. When we have a rich variety of different plants, animals, and tiny creatures living together, we call that biodiversity. When biodiversity is strong, it helps make our planet more resilient to climate change. It’s like having a big team of superheroes working together to protect the Earth.

But did you know that biodiversity also plays a crucial role in shaping our climate?

What is Climate Change?

Climate change is the process by which the Earth warms over time. Now, imagine the earth as a giant greenhouse. When we use certain objects, such as vehicles or industrial machinery, we emit something called “greenhouse gases.” These gases function as a large blanket, trapping heat within the greenhouse.

The Relationship Between Biodiversity and Climate Change.

It turns out that all of the varied parts of the puzzle—the plants, animals, and small critters—work together to maintain the Earth’s healthy state and make it balanced. It’s as if they’re nature’s heroes. Consider a thriving environment, alive with life from the smallest insects to towering trees reaching for the sky. Each species contributes uniquely to the delicate balance of this ecosystem by controlling temperature, cycling nutrients, and absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. It’s like a well-tuned symphony, with each instrument contributing to the overall harmony.

Plants, for example, are the unsung heroes in the fight against climate change. They collect carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into oxygen, releasing it back into the environment for humans to breathe. Plants also operate as carbon sinks, storing large amounts of carbon in their leaves, roots, and soil. This serves to manage the Earth’s temperature by eliminating greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere, delaying global warming. 

However, plants are not the only ones involved in this climatic dance. Animals, too, have a role to perform. Take bees, for example. Many of the fruits, vegetables, and flowers that we eat and enjoy are pollinated by these little pollinators. Without them, our crops would fail, resulting in food shortages and economic instability. And let’s not forget about the humble earthworm, which works hard beneath our feet to aerate and recycle nutrients, making the soil more nutritious and robust against the effects of climate change.

 Imagine a world where biodiversity thrives, with rich and diverse ecosystems covering vast expanses of land and water. In this reality, nature is a great ally in the battle against climate change, absorbing carbon dioxide, controlling temperature, and buffering against extreme weather. 

The Threats to Biodiversity.

But unfortunately, our planet is under attack. Climate change is placing immense pressure on biodiversity. When the Earth becomes too warm or there is insufficient rain, certain plants and animals struggle to survive in their habitats. They must relocate to different locations in order to obtain food and water, which can be quite difficult. Human actions such as deforestation, pollution, and habitat loss are putting numerous species on the verge of extinction, unraveling the delicate web of life that supports us all.

 What Can We Do?

So, what can we do to preserve biodiversity and protect our climate? It all begins with simple activities, such as:

– Planting trees in our communities

– Supporting local conservation efforts

– Lowering our carbon footprint by walking, bicycling, or taking public transit

We can also promote policies that prioritize biodiversity protection and sustainable land management methods. Ultimately, it boils down to understanding the intrinsic worth of biodiversity and its critical role in shaping our climate and maintaining life on Earth.

By working together to safeguard and maintain the diverse tapestry of life that surrounds us, we can assure a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.

References

NASA. (2024). Causes—NASA Science. https://science.nasa.gov/climate-change/causes/

Shaw, J. (2018). Why is biodiversity important? https://www.conservation.org/blog/why-is-biodiversity-important

UNEP. (2024). Climate action | UNEP – UN Environment Programme. https://www.unep.org/topics/climate-action

World WildLife Fund. (2024). What is biodiversity and why is it under threat? World Wildlife Fund. https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/what-is-biodiversity