The UK Government has committed to halting the long-term decline of species abundance and protecting 30% of land and sea by 2030. Achieving that commitment will require consideration of the impacts of climate change on wildlife and their ecosystems. Stephanie contributed to a recent Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST)Note led by Wilson Chan that summarises options to allow nature to adapt to a changing climate and ensure the long-term effectiveness of conservation strategies.
Key messages of the report to parliament were that: 1) Climate change will have impacts on the survival of species, their geographic range, and the condition of the areas they occupy. 2) Conservation strategies to achieve nature recovery will have to consider these climate impacts if they are to deliver stated aims. 3) Effective monitoring would enable a dynamic approach where conservation priorities are adapted over time as species and ecosystems respond to climate change. 4) Minimising other pressures on wildlife can reduce the potential impacts of climate change and facilitate species migration. 5) Strategies for climate adaptation include providing diverse conditions within ecosystems for wildlife, improving connectivity between these areas, restoring ecosystems, and moving species if needed.
Access the full report below.
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