Fight for plant variety: human influences endanger nature!

Fight for plant variety: human influences endanger nature!

An international study has examined the influence of human infrastructures on plant diversity in 119 world regions. Data from almost 5,000 locations were collected in order to analyze the effects of intensive human activities on different ecosystems. According to the study, around 20 percent of all plant species can be found in heavily influenced regions, while in less influenced areas this value is 35 percent. This shows how dependent on biodiversity on the human use of habitats. Areas in which agricultural activities dominate are particularly affected, which leads to the impoverishment of the plants. The Wienerwald in Austria, as an example of this research, was used as a case study, supported by biodiversity researcher Franz Essl from the University of Vienna.

The effects of human activities on nature are not only noticeable in strongly used areas, but also in regions with low human footprint. Environmental pollution, deforestation, littering and fires are factors that can significantly impair plant growth and endanger plants. Studies show that the negative influence of humans is lower if at least a third of the surrounding Region remains unaffected. In order to promote biodiversity, it is therefore proposed to put 30 percent of the land area under protection and to restore nature corridors, which also strengthens the resilience of ecosystems.

biodiversity and climate change

biodiversity plays a crucial role in climate protection. It makes ecosystems more stable and less sensitive to disorders. Healthy, species and functional systems stabilize fabric circuits, including the carbon cycle, and contribute to the reduction of CO2 from the atmosphere. Forests that are among the most species -rich ecosystems are particularly important for biodiversity and storage CO2 in the trees and in the ground. Therefore, sustainable forest management to promote biodiversity of foresters and forest -owned people is intensified in order to increase the adaptability and productivity of the forests.

climate change has far -reaching effects on the living conditions of animals and plants. The global average temperatures between 1850 and 2005 increased by 0.78 ° C, with forecast further increases from 1.8 to 4 ° C until the end of the century. These temperature -related changes and the global precipitation patterns have significant effects on ecosystems and their biodiversity. Species are under pressure and react to climate changes by shifting their distribution areas or by adapting. A shift in the distribution areas can influence the structure and function of entire ecosystems.

• main causes for the loss of biodiversity:
  • conversion of natural ecosystems
  • intensive agriculture
  • traffic routes
  • resource overuse
  • chemical substances
• climate change is a new threat that can lead to extinction of certain species.