THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON BIODIVERSITY: EVIDENCE FROM ECOSYSTEM SHIFTS

Abstract

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a major threat to biodiversity, with global warming, extreme weather events, and altered ecosystems leading to significant shifts in species distributions and ecosystem functions. This article investigates the impact of climate change on biodiversity, focusing on the evidence of ecosystem shifts observed in Pakistan. Through a synthesis of empirical research, the study examines the changing patterns in species composition, habitat loss, and the responses of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems to climate change. The article discusses the direct and indirect effects of climate change on biodiversity, highlighting the vulnerable ecosystems in Pakistan, including the Himalayan ecosystems, coastal mangroves, and riverine biodiversity. The article also explores the implications for conservation strategies and presents policy recommendations to mitigate the impacts of climate change on biodiversity in Pakistan.