200 species at risk of extinction, UK study finds
Earth and Leaf Editorial - Title
The Merlin could disappear in worst-case scenario, with British isles facing ecological ‘point of no return’
This is the very bleak picture the UK faces. Agriculture must change. This starts at the top in two distinct ways; With our moorlands and uplands and our politicians. The way our uplands are managed is one of the last remaining examples of feudal heritage. Large estates with tenant farmers scraping a living, whilst the land is managed for sport privilege for a few wealthy individuals. Grouse shooting must end and our politicians must drive this.
Excerpt
The merlin, Britain’s smallest bird of prey, is one of more than 200 species that will become extinct in the UK if action is not taken to curb emissions and unsustainable land use, a study has claimed.
According to the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), there is a 20-year window in which decisions on climate and land use will determine the fate of dozens of Britain’s native species.
By 2050, the British isles, already one of the most nature-depleted regions in the world, faces an ecological “point of no return”, they said.
“Our results show that the next 20 years will be decisive,” said Dr Rob Cooke, a senior ecologist at UKCEH and the lead author on the study, published in the journal Nature Communications. “The choices we make now will set Britain on a path either towards accelerating biodiversity loss or towards nature recovery.”
Cooke and his colleagues modelled six plausible future scenarios involving different levels of greenhouse gas emissions and varying land management practices. Better-case scenarios involved strong action on emissions, sustainable land management, reduced meat and dairy consumption, and an overall societal shift towards valuing the environment.
The worst-case scenario involved environmentally damaging agricultural and urban intensification, and greenhouse gas emissions putting the world on course for 4C of global heating above preindustrial levels.
In such a scenario, 196 species of plant, 31 birds and seven butterflies would eventually become extinct in Britain – losses at more than three times the historical extinction rate. Many areas of the country would lose up to 20% of their existing local species.
Links to Other Relevant Stories and Sites
Thank you for reading. There are many more interesting articles in the Earth and Leaf Library.
Acknowledgement
Earth and Leaf would like to acknowledge the great work done by the many journalists, scientists, photographers and contributing organisations that we showcase in the Document Library. We always credit these contributors and properly reference their work, writing and research. We could not make this project so effective without their hard work and dedication.
