COP26 – how does climate change impact upon invertebrates?
As the world’s leaders focus their minds on tackling climate change at COP26 this month, Buglife Conservation Director, Craig Macadam looks at how invertebrates are already feeling the effects of a changing climate. This expands on the climate change focus in Buglife’s NoInsectinction Campaign
Climate change is widely recognised as being one of the major long term threats to biodiversity. Most recent predictions are that our climate will become warmer, patterns of rainfall will change, and the number and frequency of extreme weather events will increase as a result of climate change, and this will inevitably have an impact on invertebrate populations.
Indeed, with the many invertebrate species having relatively short life cycles and good powers of mobility they are likely to be one of the first groups of animals to show the impact of a changing climate.
In Europe, cold-loving species will retreat northwards and uphill, while warm-loving species will increase their range. Species normally found further south in Europe may become established in the UK. However, for many species – particularly those with more specific needs, or with poorer ability to disperse, responding with a changing climate will be difficult. The loss and fragmentation of habitats means that large parts of our landscape are impermeable to the movement of wildlife. Many species will be marooned on isolated islands of habitat, unable to move north in response to a warming climate.
Temperature plays a vital role in the breeding success of cold-blooded organisms and therefore the population size and viability of many invertebrate species. It is probable that small changes in temperature will be enough to jeopardise the survival of some invertebrate populations. This effect will most likely be seen in cold-adapted montane species whose very survival may be at stake; however, it is also evident in other habitats.
source : https://www.buglife.org.uk
