Effects of extreme events

This publication focuses on the growing impact of climate-change-driven extreme events on global biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. It examines how phenomena such as heatwaves, droughts, floods, wildfires, storms, and compound climate events are increasingly threatening species across terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Bringing together multiple research studies, the issue explores both the immediate and long-term ecological consequences of these events on animals, plants, forests, and marine populations worldwide. It also discusses the difficulties in predicting and monitoring these impacts, as well as emerging conservation strategies designed to protect vulnerable species and ecosystems under accelerating climate change.

The findings reveal that extreme climate events are already causing widespread ecological disruption, with many species experiencing habitat exposure, population declines, mortality, reduced resilience, and long-term genetic and reproductive consequences. Studies highlighted in the publication show that heatwaves and droughts negatively affect most taxa, especially vulnerable or sessile species, while repeated climate extremes reduce forest resilience globally and alter species behaviour and ecosystem interactions. The research further demonstrates that the severity of these impacts depends strongly on future greenhouse gas emissions, with lower-emission scenarios substantially reducing risks. Overall, the publication emphasizes that while conservation interventions may help mitigate some damage, rapid reductions in carbon emissions remain the most effective strategy for safeguarding biodiversity.