How can climate change affect biodiversity?

Climate change significantly impacts biodiversity through its ability to alter habitats, which can lead to species loss. As temperatures rise and weather patterns change, many ecosystems experience shifts that can make them less suitable for residents. For example, warmer temperatures can lead to habitat destruction, changes in food availability, and increased frequency of extreme weather events, all of which can threaten species that are unable to adapt quickly enough or find new suitable habitats.

Furthermore, species that are particularly vulnerable, such as those limited to specific habitats or those with small populations, may face the greatest risk. These habitat alterations not only affect wildlife but can also disrupt ecological relationships, thereby contributing to declines in biodiversity. The cascading effects of these changes can result in a loss of species at local, regional, and global levels, highlighting the profound influence climate change has on the natural world.