The current species extinction status paints a grim picture of biodiversity loss, with climate change playing a significant role in accelerating this trend. Recent studies indicate that over 42,100 species are now at risk of extinction, representing a dramatic decline in global biodiversity over the past half-century1. This alarming rate of species loss is rapidly accelerating, with researchers warning that we are in the midst of Earth's sixth mass extinction event2.

• One in four species is currently threatened with extinction3

• Climate change is now the second biggest cause of biodiversity loss in oceans and the fourth biggest on land3

• Rising temperatures are lowering many species' survival rates due to changes in food availability, reproductive success, and habitat disruption4

• If current warming trends continue, the situation is expected to worsen, potentially pushing countless more species to the brink of extinction in the coming decades56

Climate change is rapidly becoming one of the most significant drivers of biodiversity loss, with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems worldwide. Rising temperatures are altering habitats, disrupting food chains, and forcing species to adapt or migrate at unprecedented rates1. As global temperatures continue to increase, many species are struggling to keep pace with these changes, leading to reduced populations and increased extinction risks2.

The impacts of climate change on biodiversity are multifaceted and often interconnected:

• Habitat loss: Warming temperatures are causing shifts in vegetation zones, leading to habitat fragmentation and loss for many species1.

• Phenological mismatches: Changes in seasonal timing can disrupt critical life cycle events, such as breeding and migration, affecting species survival and reproduction2.

• Ocean acidification: Increased CO2 absorption by oceans is making it harder for marine organisms to form shells and skeletons, threatening entire marine ecosystems3.

• Extreme weather events: More frequent and intense natural disasters, such as droughts and floods, can devastate populations and habitats1.

These impacts are not isolated but often interact synergistically, amplifying their effects on biodiversity and accelerating the pace of species loss4. As climate change continues to intensify, it is projected to become an even more dominant factor in driving species extinctions in the coming decades45.

Climate change does not operate in isolation but interacts with other environmental threats, creating a synergistic effect that amplifies the risk to biodiversity. These combined pressures are accelerating species loss at an unprecedented rate. Habitat destruction, pollution, and overexploitation of resources, when coupled with climate change, create a "perfect storm" for biodiversity decline1.

• Habitat fragmentation due to human activities reduces species' ability to migrate in response to changing climates2.

• Pollution weakens ecosystems, making them more vulnerable to climate-induced stresses3.

• Invasive species, often thriving in warmer conditions, outcompete native flora and fauna4.

• Overfishing, combined with ocean warming and acidification, severely impacts marine ecosystems1.

These interconnected threats underscore the need for comprehensive conservation strategies that address multiple environmental challenges simultaneously to effectively combat the ongoing biodiversity crisis54.

Climate change is having profound effects on both marine and terrestrial ecosystems, with numerous species facing critical threats. In marine environments, coral reefs are particularly vulnerable, with rising ocean temperatures causing widespread bleaching events1. The Great Barrier Reef, for instance, has experienced multiple mass bleaching events since 2016, threatening the survival of countless species that depend on this ecosystem2.

On land, iconic species like polar bears are struggling as Arctic sea ice diminishes, reducing their hunting grounds and forcing them to swim longer distances3. Mountain-dwelling species such as the American pika are being pushed to higher elevations as temperatures rise, potentially running out of suitable habitat3. Climate change is also disrupting the timing of seasonal events, causing mismatches between species and their food sources. For example, some bird species are now arriving at their breeding grounds too late to take advantage of peak insect abundance, impacting their reproductive success2. These examples highlight the urgent need for climate action to protect biodiversity across all ecosystems.