Abstract

HAILU, Fekadu. Climate change as a trigger for desertification and possible alternatives to reduce biodiversity loss. J. Selva Andina Biosph. [online]. 2023, vol.11, n.1, pp.94-111.  Epub May 01, 2023. ISSN 2308-3867.  https://doi.org/10.36610/j.jsab.2023.110100091.

Climate change is one of the numerous things that are believed to speed up desertification. It is caused by the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere which have an impact on our environment. It is also one of the biggest environmental, socioeconomic, and political issues of our day. The primary objective of this article was to analyze the causes and consequences, of desertification and possible solution to reduce biodiversity loss. The main causes of desertification include: climatic factors and human activities such as overexploitation and inappropriate agricultural practices, deforestation, high population growth, land and rights unsafe access. Desertification refers to the genetic erosion of plants, animals, and microorganisms that make up the living components of arid environments. Most plants and animals as well as soil microorganisms that have adapted to favorable condition are most likely extinct due to desertification. Even if some species and genes have adapted in drier environments, the rate of species extinction is higher due to this conditions. The reduction of forests, wildlife ecosystems, and total biodiversity has clearly under severe condition. Therefore, rural peoples must be supported by initiating income diversification in order to reduce pressure on drylands, and thus environmental management methods to combat desertification are interdependent.

Keywords : Biodiversity; climate change; deforestation; desertification; greenhouse gases; land degradation.

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