World Heritage Sites at Risk from Climate Change

Earth's most iconic regions may be in danger. Scientists have found that without   better local management, these ecosystems may be at risk of collapse under climate change.

"We show that managing local pressures can expand the 'safe operating space' for these ecosystems," said Marten Scheffer, the lead author of the new study, in a news release. "Poor local management makes an ecosystem less tolerant to climate change and erodes its capacity to keep functioning effectively."

In this latest study, the researchers examined three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Spain's Donana wetlands, the Amazon rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. While many ecosystems are important to their local people, these three ecosystems have global importance. However, all three are also under local threats.

The Donana wetlands, for example, are Europe's most important site for wintering waterfowl and host over half a million birds. But nutrient runoff is degrading water quality and causing toxic algal blooms, and climate change could cause more severe blooms.

"Local managers could lessen this risk and therefore boost the wetlands' climate resilience by reducing nutrient runoff," said Andy Green, one of the researchers.

Rising temperatures could also cause severe dry spells in the Amazon rainforest and turn the ecosystem into a drier and more fire-prone woodland. The Greater Barrier Reef is similarly threatened by ocean acidification and coral bleaching, both induced by carbon dioxide emissions.

"All three examples play a critical role in maintaining global biodiversity," said Scheffer. "If these systems collapse, it could mean the irreversible extinction of species." He continues by saying, "Local management options are well understood and not too expensive. So there is really no excuse for countries to let this slip away, especially when it comes to ecosystems that are of vital importance for maintaining global biodiversity."

The findings are published in the journal Science.

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