Climate change
Environmental groups have been warning of climate change for many years. Now
most scientists agree the planet is warming, and that this is at least
partly due to human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels. However, it is
difficult to be sure to what extent the observed warming is a natural process.
It is thought that a relatively small increase in average temperature could
have very significant effects on patterns of biodiversity. Changes in climate
could affect the ability of species to survive and reproduce in areas they
currently inhabit. It could also disrupt agriculture worldwide.
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Introduced species
Exotic organisms that have arrived from other parts of the world (often because humans
have transported them) are known as introduced or alien species. Their impact on local
ecosystems can be severe as they may prey on native species or compete for resources.
There is also concern when introduced species interbreed with native organisms.
Unnatural hybrids may differ greatly from well-adapted native plants and animals. |
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Industrial agriculture and forestry
Industrial agriculture has had an enormous impact on the UK landscape. Feeding
such a large human population has inevitably led to many areas of land being cleared.
This has considerably lowered its biodiversity value. Extensive stands of
non-native trees may produce high timber yields, but they are virtual deserts in
biodiversity terms as few native UK species can utilise them as suitable
habitats. |
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Habitat loss and fragmentation
The UK is a small country with a large human population. There are many demands
upon the land. We have already removed or altered most of the natural habitats.
Sadly, as a result, many UK species live in small isolated patches of suitable habitat,
which can make populations less stable. Consequently, difficult decisions have to
be made about selecting priority areas for conservation of wildlife, so as to ensure
future survival of a wide variety of different species. |
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Genetically modified organisms
The potential impact of genetically modified organisms on biodiversity is
controversial. Proponents of GMO technology say it will enable
us to produce cheap drugs and food with which to alleviate starvation and
poverty in developing nations. Opponents are worried this technology may
have unwanted side effects, either directly on the people who use GM products
or on the local ecology where GM crops are grown. |
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Pollution of soil, water and atmosphere
One consequence of industrialisation has been the release of chemicals
into the environment. There are laws and regulations in place to safeguard
against such polluting activities, but accidents and deliberate dumping
continue to pose threats to wildlife. |
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Over-exploitation of plant and animal species
In modern times, humans have rarely been good at conserving the environments
they inhabit or species they utilise. Many fish populations in waters around
Britain have been reduced to critically low levels. Once a population has
crashed it may take decades to recover, if it recovers at all. Such crashes
may alter ecosystems irreparably and unpredictably. |
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