A third of all living species may disappear by 2100 due to global warming, - biologist

A meta-analysis of the current effects of global warming shows that a third of all living species could disappear by 2100. This scenario could become a reality if greenhouse gas emissions do not slow down.

University of Connecticut biologist Mark Urban analyzed 485 studies conducted over the past 30 years on the ability of species to adapt to climate change. And his predictions are disappointing, Science writes.

It is known that greenhouse gas emissions created by humans cause heating of the atmosphere and seawater. Rising temperatures will lead to unpredictable weather changes. In addition to warming, some places are expected to become wetter and others drier, experts say.

According to the researchers, it is likely that the world will see more extreme weather events such as droughts, hurricanes and typhoons, in addition to thunderstorms or snow storms. Such changes will put pressure on species that cannot control their environment the way humans do, putting many at risk.

Biologist Mark Urban found 485 articles that included studies of a species and its ability to survive environmental change. He compared this data with estimates of future warming and determined what changes might occur and in what areas. The researcher then made an estimate of the likely survival of a particular species based on their habitat and ability to migrate or adapt.

The scientist found that if global temperatures rise by about 5.4°C by the end of this century, according to the worst-case scenario, it will likely lead to the extinction of about one-third of all species living today.

Urban noted that extinctions caused by a chain reaction are possible - when a small animal goes extinct, a larger one that feeds on it subsequently goes extinct.

The biologist also emphasizes that some groups of species or types are at much greater risk than others, such as amphibians.

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