Diversity of ecosystems key to averting climate change

A new study has shown that preserving plant life and the diversity of ecosystems will be a key means of buffering the negative effects of climate change and desertification in dryland environments.

The study makes a number of important findings, including hard evidence that the more diverse an ecosystem is, the more ecological functions it performs. It also generally increases carbon sequestration and health of soil.

As rainfall patterns change across the world, dryland ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to climate change and this is very significant; These types of ecosystem cover 40% of the land mass and provide for 40% of the worlds people, so any changes in their nature will be felt across the world.

"Our findings suggest that plant species richness may be particularly important for maintaining ecosystem functions linked to carbon and nitrogen cycling, which sustain carbon sequestration and soil fertility," says Professor David Eldridge of UNSW School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, "and because land degradation is often accompanied by the loss of soil fertility, plant species richness may also promote ecosystem resistance to desertification."

Natural ecosystems are important in regulating many services including availability of drinking water, carbon sequestration, waste decomposition, nutrient cycling, food and energy. However, it is the multi-functionality of an ecosystem that makes it extremely valuable to society. Eldridge says, "Climate change will reduce the ability of dryland ecosystems to perform multiple functions related to the cycling of these elements [carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus]. Changing climate is also likely to reduce plant richness and increase the areas affected by desertification."