Global Climate Challenges: Ecosystem Impacts and Adaptation Strategies

This lecture discusses the global climate challenges and their impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity. It begins with an overview of adaptation and migration of organisms in response to climate change. The instructor explains the non-uniform nature of climate warming, highlighting that the Northern Hemisphere is warming faster than the Southern Hemisphere, with the Alps experiencing even more rapid changes. The concepts of ecological niches, both from Hutchinson and Elton, are introduced to understand species' responses to environmental changes. The lecture further explores temperature anomalies and their effects on species distribution, emphasizing the importance of phenological shifts. The discussion includes the mechanisms of species responses, such as phenotypic plasticity, genetic adaptation, and migration. The instructor also addresses the challenges posed by invasive species and the need for ecological infrastructure to support biodiversity. Finally, the lecture presents potential solutions for adaptation and mitigation, emphasizing the role of urban planning and nature-based solutions in combating climate change.