The U.S. Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Product 4.3 is more than overwhelming news.  Biodiversity is also a fundamental building block of the services that ecosystems deliver to human societies. Intrinsically important because of its contribution to the functioning of ecosystems. Essentially biodiversity.

So the variation of life at the genetic, species and ecosystem levels of biological organization. Also it is difficult or impossible to recover. As well as replace once it is eroded. With robust scientific evidence showing that human-induced climate change is occurring. Therefore it is critical to understand how species diversity and sensitive ecosystems might be affected. Certainly the Synthesis and Assessment Product (SAP) 4.3 providing these insights.

Climate change is already affecting U.S. biodiversity and ecosystems. Yes folks, that’s including changes in growing season. Including phenology, primary production, and species distributions and diversity.

Climate change is certainly increasing in importance. Especially as a driver for changes in biodiversity over the next several decades. Although for most ecosystems it is not currently the largest driver of change.

Recently, it was reported on EcoWatch that between October 2016 and January 2017, more than 350 Tufted puffin and Crested auklet carcasses died. I mean washed up on Alaska’s St. Paul island in the Bering Sea.

In addition, a study published in PLOS One Wednesday stating climate change affecting birds in Alaska. I mean the deaths were caused by climate change. The researchers estimating that between 3,150 to 8,800 birds died in total. As well as the carcasses were “severely emaciated,” researchers wrote. Thereby indicating they died of starvation.

In addition and in Europe and the European Union, the Global Footprint Network delivering an updated Ecological Footprint of Europe. All which is the Mid-Term Review of the EU 2020 Biodiversity Strategy. This is showing Europe’s consumption and production. Especially in a global perspective.

These reports are becoming the approved set of Streamlining European Biodiversity Indicators (SEBI).

Biodiversity of the European Union

CNN explained why the scientists thought climate change was ultimately to blame:

That’s because the puffins that live in the area typically dine on fish. However climate change has significantly disrupted the food chain. The fish eat zooplankton. Yet climate change has warmed the water in the area. I mean up so much that the zooplankton and the fish have started to disappear. The seasonal ice cover in the area has also started to melt. Thereby eliminating other potential food sources for the birds. Many of the dead birds were molting.

I mean they were regrowing their feathers. When a bird goes through this process, it takes a lot of energy. More over and often cannot fly as far. In some cases not fly at all. Making it even harder for them to get to food.

In conclusion, Biodiversity loss is also a big challenge in the EU. That’s with around one in four species threatened. Yes folks with extinction. As well as 88% of fish stocks over-exploited. Again or significantly depleted. Finally, this is all according to the EU.

However the Global Footprint Network posted something strong. All about the recent State of the Earth. All because the United States pulled out of the Paris Climate Agreement.

This therefore sets a destructive example for the United States. Therefore it is economically necessary. However the benefits are largely for those who act.

We may be dismayed about the U.S. federal government’s backing out.  But there is little benefit in wasting time and energy. Because the administration’s choice is their choice: not ours.

In addition we must focus on building our communities’. Especially the ability to thrive in a predictably challenging future.

In conclusion, the only possible future for humanity is regenerative. That’s where we strictly live the off Earth while renewing everything we take.

Certainly because the regenerative economy is humanity’s ultimate destination. Certainly whether we get there by design or by disaster.

So we must restore and not liquidate our natural capital.

Therefore, the question is how fast we get there. Finally, we can’t delay the transformation. Because we must maintain our regenerative budget. All because Earth’s biocapacity is be compromised. Finally leaving us with fewer options.

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Source: Global Footprint Network

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