Day 5: Ecosystems

Today you will learn about ecosystems, why thy exist, and how we might positively influence them to solve climate change.

Summary

Explain succinctly what ecosystems are from first principles.

Ecosystems are complex and interconnected systems formed by the interactions between living organisms (such as plants, animals, and microorganisms) and their non-living environment (including air, water, soil, and climate) in a specific geographic area. These interactions create a delicate balance where energy, nutrients, and materials flow through various components, sustaining life and allowing the ecosystem to function as a self-regulating and dynamic entity.

Why do ecosystems exist? What role does it play in the complex systems of our lives?

Ecosystems exist because they are essential for life on Earth. They provide numerous services that are vital for both human well-being and the planet's health. Some roles of ecosystems in the complex systems of our lives include:

• Biodiversity: Ecosystems support a wide variety of species, ensuring genetic diversity and resilience in the face of environmental changes.
• Carbon storage and cycling: Ecosystems play a crucial role in sequestering and storing carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas responsible for climate change.
• Regulation of climate and weather: Forests, oceans, and other ecosystems influence regional and global climate patterns by absorbing and releasing heat and moisture.
• Pollution filtration: Wetlands, forests, and marine ecosystems act as natural filters, cleaning and purifying water and air.
• Food production: Ecosystems provide resources for agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, sustaining human food supply and livelihoods.
• Recreation and cultural significance: Ecosystems offer recreational opportunities and cultural values, contributing to the well-being and identity of communities.

How do ecosystems interact with the problem of climate change?

Ecosystems both contribute to and are impacted by climate change:

• Contributing factors: Human activities, such as deforestation, land-use changes, and industrial emissions, release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change. For example, deforestation reduces the number of trees that can absorb CO2, leading to higher atmospheric concentrations.
• Carbon sinks and sources: Healthy ecosystems act as carbon sinks, absorbing more carbon dioxide than they release. Forests, wetlands, and oceans are crucial in sequestering carbon, mitigating the impacts of climate change. However, as ecosystems degrade or are disrupted, they can become carbon sources, releasing stored carbon back into the atmosphere.
• Vulnerability to climate change: Ecosystems are sensitive to changes in temperature, precipitation, and other climatic variables. Shifts in climate conditions can alter habitats, disrupt migration patterns, and threaten the survival of certain species. This can lead to biodiversity loss and reduced ecosystem resilience.
• Feedback loops: Climate change can trigger feedback loops within ecosystems, further influencing the climate system. For example, as ice melts in polar regions, it reduces the Earth's albedo (reflectivity), which leads to more heat absorption, accelerating warming.

How might we positively influence ecosystems to help solve climate change?

Positive actions to influence ecosystems and address climate change include:

• Conservation and restoration: Protecting and restoring natural ecosystems, such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands, can enhance their ability to sequester carbon and provide other ecological services.
• Sustainable land and resource management: Implementing sustainable practices in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries can reduce emissions, preserve biodiversity, and support ecosystem health.
• Promoting renewable energy: Transitioning to renewable energy sources reduces the reliance on fossil fuels, lowering emissions and mitigating climate change impacts on ecosystems.
• Sustainable urban planning: Designing cities with green spaces, sustainable infrastructure, and efficient transportation systems can reduce the urban heat island effect and minimize the environmental impact of human activities.

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Additional Resources

Books:

• "The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History" by Elizabeth Kolbert - This Pulitzer Prize-winning book explores the impact of human activities on ecosystems and the current mass extinction event driven by climate change.
• "Climate Change Biology" by Lee Hannah - This book delves into the ecological consequences of climate change, focusing on the effects on species, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
• "Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming" edited by Paul Hawken - While not exclusively focused on ecosystems, this book presents practical solutions to combat climate change, many of which involve restoring and protecting ecosystems.

Courses:

• Climate Change and Health by Imperial College London - This course examines the impact of climate change on human health, including its connections to ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Climate Change Science and Negotiations by SDG Academy- This course covers the scientific basis of climate change and its implications for ecosystems and society.
• Climate Action: Solutions for a Changing Planet by SDG Academy - This course explores various climate change mitigation strategies, including ecosystem-based solutions.

Scholars:

1. Dr. Jane Lubchenco - An ecologist and environmental scientist known for her research on marine ecosystems and her role as the former head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
2. Dr. Thomas Lovejoy - A prominent conservation biologist who coined the term "biological diversity," he has extensively studied the interactions between ecosystems and climate change.
3. Dr. Gretchen Daily - An expert in conservation science and ecosystem services, Dr. Daily's research focuses on how ecosystems can be harnessed to address global challenges like climate change.

Videos:

1. Climate 101 by National Geographic - This video explores how climate change is affecting various ecosystems around the world.‍
2. Ecosystem-Based Adaptation by UN Climate Change - This video discusses the concept of ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change and its benefits.

Podcasts:

1. America Adapts - The Climate Change Podcast by Doug Parsons - This podcast covers various aspects of climate change adaptation, including discussions on ecosystems and their role in resilience.
2. Bioneers: Revolution from the Heart of Nature - This podcast explores solutions and strategies to address environmental challenges, often featuring episodes related to climate change and ecosystems.

Top Skills To Learn

The following skills are recommend to learn:

• Ecology and environmental science: Understanding the intricate relationships between organisms and their environment, as well as the principles of ecosystem dynamics and resilience, is crucial for devising effective conservation and restoration strategies.
• Climate science and modeling: Gaining expertise in climate science and utilizing climate models helps students comprehend the complexities of climate change, its drivers, and potential future scenarios. This knowledge can inform evidence-based solutions.
• Environmental policy and advocacy: Learning about environmental policies, international agreements (e.g., Paris Agreement), and advocacy strategies empowers students to engage with decision-makers, raise awareness, and influence policies that address climate change and ecosystem protection.

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Activity

Activity: Conduct a Local Ecosystem Observation

Choose a local natural area (park, forest, wetland) or even an urban space with greenery. Spend at least 30 minutes observing the ecosystem, noting the flora, fauna, and any visible signs of climate-related changes. Document your observations with photos, sketches, or notes. Afterward, research the various species and natural systems associated with that space, reflecting on how  climate change may impact them.

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Skill Lesson Mastered

Demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills presented in this lesson by applying it to the above activity. If, and only if, you have a full understanding and have mastered the knowledge and skills presented in this lesson, select the next lesson in the navigation.