- #1
SF
Is it just me, or those studies show results that are extremely blown out of proportion?
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Global Warming alarming species demise
- Thread starter SF
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the potential impact of global warming on species extinction, with participants examining various studies and perspectives on the projected rates of extinction and the factors influencing these predictions. The scope includes theoretical implications, ecological consequences, and speculative outcomes related to climate change.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Exploratory
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants express skepticism about the studies predicting that global warming could lead to the extinction of 1 million species, suggesting the results may be exaggerated.
- One participant highlights that the study claims up to 50% of all species could face extinction in the next 30-40 years due to global warming, questioning the validity of such a drastic prediction.
- Another participant references the Permian Mass Extinction, noting that while a 50% extinction rate could be possible, it remains speculative whether similar outcomes will occur due to current temperature increases.
- Concerns are raised about the merging of various factors, such as human interference, into extinction rate calculations, suggesting that these may skew the data related to global warming's impact.
- Some participants speculate on the ecological consequences of species loss, including changes in species diversity and the potential for new evolutionary niches to emerge.
- Humor is introduced regarding the perceived value of certain species, such as mosquitoes, in the context of extinction discussions.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on the validity of extinction predictions or the factors contributing to species decline. Multiple competing views remain regarding the implications of global warming on biodiversity.
Contextual Notes
Participants acknowledge the complexity of extinction rates and the influence of various environmental and anthropogenic factors, indicating that the discussion is limited by uncertainties and assumptions inherent in the data.
- #2
MeJennifer
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What eactly do you mean "blown out of proportion"?SF said:
- #3
SF
The study sais that up to 50% of all species could be driven to extinction in the next 30-40 years due to global warming.
50% of all species dying, due to a difference of a few degrees is to me "blown out of proportions".
50% of all species dying, due to a difference of a few degrees is to me "blown out of proportions".
- #4
jim mcnamara
Mentor
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The Permian Mass Extinction saw as much as 90% of marine species go extinct. From that point of view, a 50% extinction is possible from a temperature rise. Whether it will happen or not is speculation.
Interestingly, there are papers that posit part of the Permian Mass Extinction to extremely hot temperatures on earth. End of the Permian is the hottest period on record after the start of multicellular life forms.
Anyway, the folks talking about mass extinction from rising temperatures are getting some ammunition from the Permian data. IMO.
I'm staying out of the climatological debate and presenting what the fossil record shows. I can't say what will or will not happen in the next 50 years.
Interestingly, there are papers that posit part of the Permian Mass Extinction to extremely hot temperatures on earth. End of the Permian is the hottest period on record after the start of multicellular life forms.
Anyway, the folks talking about mass extinction from rising temperatures are getting some ammunition from the Permian data. IMO.
I'm staying out of the climatological debate and presenting what the fossil record shows. I can't say what will or will not happen in the next 50 years.
- #5
bross7
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I don't think it's unrealistic, but I think the data may be merging other factors into the equation for the total extinction rate. There has been a fairly steady rise in extinction usually blamed on "human interference" which probably accounts for a lot of the extinction that would be included in the global warming caused extinction.
But even things such as species diversity are showing some drastic changes with the small increases in annual temperature. Small changes in diversity can destroy the stability of many ecosystems and can lead to a lot of problems.
But even things such as species diversity are showing some drastic changes with the small increases in annual temperature. Small changes in diversity can destroy the stability of many ecosystems and can lead to a lot of problems.
- #6
Rade
Good news SF, keep healthy, and if you are not too old, you will know the answer to your question in ~ 44 years. I wonder what 50% of species will go first, and if this action will open new niches for rapid evolution to fill the void ? Or, do we just end with 50% less species. An interesting natural experiment about to unfold that many that read PF will be able to observe. Should we start a pet list of those species we hope will be first to go--I find little use for the mosquito species, especially those that cause human disease.
- #7
nannoh
- 202
- 0
Rade said:
If the anthropocentric basis for global warming is true then all hail the mosquitos and the diseases they spread!
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