Terry Louise Root - Biodiversity in a Changing Climate: Linking Science and Management in Conservation

Terry L. Root and Kimberly R. Hall

Since the mid-1970s, our planet has been experiencing noticeable changes in global climate, such as rapid warming, which have strongly affected humans and natural systems. Current climate projections for the future suggest continued acceleration in the pace of these changes, leading to greater risk of harm, especially for those species and human populations that are least able to cope with change. Until collaborative efforts of governments find ways to reduce substantially the emissions of greenhouse gases and stabilize global climate patterns, those of us interested in conserving biodiversity will need to find direct ways to facilitate species adaptations to ever-changing climate conditions. As scientists and resource managers, it is absolutely essential that we communicate the impacts that we are seeing, as this is one way to help promote climate change mitigation efforts to replace fossil fuel energy with that generated via renewable energy. Further, we must use what we are learning to help develop and implement strategies that prepare people and species for the inevitable continued changes in climate that will occur before mitigation strategies can produce results. Indeed, if we fail to act in these ways, the number of species extinctions will likely be higher than humanity can afford to lose.

The challenge of helping natural systems adapt is huge, but not insurmountable, if all concerned pool their knowledge, expertise, and resources. Specifically, we are referring to scientists conducting decision-relevant research, natural resource managers, and conservation practitioners implementing climate-updated protocols in the field, and, especially, decision-makers who help shape policy. Strengthening the dialogue between researchers and practitioners will inevitably inspire new, proactive approaches to management. This kind of partnership also provides opportunities to identify constraints to the kinds of innovative actions needed to reduce risks to natural (and human) systems, as some actions may require changes in existing policies or new legislative tools before they can be implemented. By strengthening scientistmanager partnerships and aligning our messaging, we also improve our ability to promote needed updates to those in a position to implement policy change. As we strengthen these relationships, we also increase the odds that we will save a greater number of species from extinction, and will protect more people from climate-related risks.