Climate Crisis in the Mountains: How Nature is Being Transformed

It is well understood that mountain regions host exceptionally diverse ecosystems, which, however, are fragile and susceptible to human-induced pollution and climate change. Despite this, there is a shortage of data necessary to measure the risks and changes occurring in these environments. A study published in the American journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has confirmed the high sensitivity of mountainous areas to climate change.

The research identified specific temperature thresholds that, when surpassed, lead to abrupt changes in biodiversity and ecosystem health. Notably, it is when the average annual temperature exceeds 10°C that these shifts can occur suddenly, even with minor additional increases in temperature.

While these changes can sometimes be beneficial for plant and animal diversity, they negatively impact ecosystem services, soil fertility, and carbon content. The authors of the study, who analyzed over 4,462 previous observations from mountains worldwide, emphasize these findings. They underscore the necessity for more detailed studies of mountain ecosystems and heighten the alert regarding their vulnerability to climate change.