Climate change and the invasion of alien species

 

Invasive alien species can disrupt natural habitats, leading to environmental disturbances, as revealed by a four-year study conducted by 86 researchers from 49 countries. Published by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), the report titled ‘Assessment Report on Invasive Alien Species and their Control’ discusses the impact of climate change and the proliferation of alien species.

The study highlights that human activities have introduced nearly 37,000 alien species, contributing to 60% of global plant and animal extinctions, and posing risks to human health.

The study underscores that invasive alien species have the potential to cause global biodiversity decline, which, in turn, has direct implications for human well-being.

Humans depend on a wide array of plants, animals, and organisms for their social and livelihood needs. Additionally, invasive alien species can exacerbate issues such as organism exploitation, climate change, and pollution. The research also unveiled that the introduction of various invasive alien species through human activities has been escalating at an alarming pace.