Our article: What is the connection between biodiversity and climate change?

Climate change is one of the most serious challenges facing the world today. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon storage capacity are key measures to address climate change. The loss of biodiversity will also significantly weaken the global terrestrial carbon storage capacity, which in turn will have a profound impact on the global climate.

Specific impacts of biodiversity loss on carbon stocks

The impact of biodiversity reduction on carbon storage is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

First, ecosystem stability declines. Biodiversity is the foundation of ecosystem stability. Stable ecosystems can better cope with external pressures such as climate change and maintain high carbon storage capacity. When biodiversity decreases, ecosystems become less stable and their ability to cope with external pressures such as climate change decreases. This makes ecosystems more vulnerable to damage in the face of challenges such as climate change, leading to further reductions in carbon stocks.

Second, the carbon cycle is disrupted. Biodiversity plays an important role in the carbon cycle. Plants absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and convert it into organic carbon that is stored in plants and in the soil. At the same time, decomposition by animals and microorganisms releases organic carbon back into the atmosphere. The reduction of biodiversity can interfere with this cycle, leading to an imbalance in the carbon cycle and a reduction in carbon storage. For example, the disappearance of certain species may cause their original role in the carbon cycle to be replaced by other species, but this replacement may not be fully effective, leading to disruption of the carbon cycle and reduction of carbon stocks.

Third, the regional carbon source and sink function changes. In areas rich in biodiversity, ecosystems often behave as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing more carbon. However, when biodiversity decreases, the carbon sink function of these areas may be weakened or even transformed into a carbon source, releasing more carbon into the atmosphere. This change will have a profound impact on the global climate and the carbon cycle.

Fourth, the positive feedback cycle has intensified. Loss of biodiversity may also exacerbate the positive feedback cycle between climate change and biodiversity loss. According to research, greater climate change will lead to more biodiversity loss, which in turn will lead to more carbon emissions, further exacerbating climate change. The intensification of this positive feedback loop will pose greater challenges to the stability of global climate and ecosystems.

Finally, carbon stocks decrease. Ecosystems rich in biodiversity often have higher biomass and productivity and are able to store carbon more efficiently. The loss of biodiversity will lead to a reduction in the types and numbers of organisms in the ecosystem, which in turn affects the carbon cycle and carbon storage capacity of the entire ecosystem. In diverse ecosystems, different species form a complex network of interactions, which promote carbon storage and recycling. As biodiversity decreases, this network of interactions becomes fragile, and the ecosystem's carbon storage capacity declines.

Recommendations to address biodiversity loss

In order to protect the earth's carbon storage capacity and respond to the challenges of climate change, we need to take proactive measures to protect biodiversity and maintain the health and stability of ecosystems.

First, establish and improve the nature reserve system, strengthen the construction and management of nature reserves, and ensure effective protection of biodiversity in protected areas. Nature reserves are one of the most direct and effective means to protect biodiversity and are also important places for carbon storage. By establishing and improving the nature reserve system, rare and endangered species and their habitats can be protected, the integrity and stability of the ecosystem can be maintained, and carbon storage capacity can be enhanced. The government should increase investment in nature reserves, designate more key ecological areas as protected areas, strengthen the construction and management of protected areas, and ensure that biodiversity in protected areas is effectively protected. At the same time, we will strengthen law enforcement and severely crack down on illegal logging, hunting, fishing and other behaviors that destroy biodiversity.

Second, promote sustainable land use methods. Encourage the adoption of sustainable land use methods, such as ecological agriculture, sustainable forestry management, etc., to reduce damage to ecosystems and carbon release. At the same time, strengthen land degradation control and ecological restoration work to improve land carbon storage capacity.

Third, strengthen international cooperation and exchanges. Actively participate in international cooperation and exchange activities on biodiversity protection and carbon storage, and learnXiLearn from international advanced experience and technical means. At the same time, strengthen cooperation and coordination with neighboring countries and regions to jointly respond to global challenges such as biodiversity reduction and climate change.

Finally, increase public awareness and participation. Strengthen publicity and education on knowledge related to biodiversity protection and carbon storage, and increase public awareness of the importance of biodiversity and carbon storage. At the same time, the public is encouraged to participate in biodiversity protection and carbon storage-related activities to form a good atmosphere of common concern and participation by the whole society.

Author's unit: Energy and Resources and Environmental Law Research Center, East China University of Science and Technology