Science Source

Biodiversity redistribution under climate change: Impacts on ecosystems and human well-being

States that the ability of natural ecosystems to deliver ecosystem services is being challenged by the largest climate-driven global redistribution of species since the Last Glacial Maximum
Meta-analyses show that, on average, terrestrial taxa move poleward by 17 km per decade and marine taxa by 72 km per decade
Reviews evidence that climate-driven species redistribution at regional to global scales affects ecosystem functioning, human well-being, and the dynamics of climate change itself
Demonstrates the serious consequences of this species redistribution for economic development, livelihoods, food security, human health, and culture, and documents feedbacks on climate
Shows that production of natural resources required for food security, patterns of disease transmission, and processes of carbon sequestration are all altered by changes in species distribution
Concludes that consideration of these effects of biodiversity redistribution is critical, yet notes that it lacking in most mitigation and adaptation strategies