Climate Crisis Accelerating Extinction of Beneficial Species: Experts

As the climate crisis deepens, environmental specialists warn that escalating temperatures, erratic precipitation patterns, and desiccating marshlands are severely impacting the lifecycles of crucial organisms, including insects, indigenous avifauna, fish, and other wildlife. This ongoing crisis poses the risk of hastening the extinction of these species, triggering a formidable loss of biodiversity and causing severe ecological disruption. Immediate conservation actions and revised policy frameworks are essential to mitigate environmental damage.

Local observers in many regions report a troubling decrease in the populations of numerous beneficial insects, native birds, animals, floral species, and freshwater fish over recent decades.

An environmental and river specialist, also associated with Riverine People and a faculty member at a local university, expressed grave concerns about the deteriorating natural environment due to climate change. “The extinction process is being accelerated by factors such as deforestation, the drying up of aquatic habitats, misuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and alterations in soil conditions,” the expert explained.

Historically, a network of water bodies, wetlands, forested areas, and hill sanctuaries existed, providing haven to various migratory bird species each winter.

However, recent years have seen a significant drop in these migratory birds. The specialist identified encroachment on forest land and aquatic zones, deforestation, water body shrinkage, and inadequate conservation efforts as significant contributors to this decline.

A researcher from the Department of Agricultural Extension highlighted that climate change diminishes food sources for beneficial species while also accelerating their extinction. This has led to behaviors such as wild elephants leaving their natural forest environments in search of sustenance in regions like the Chittagong Hill Tracts and Sherpur.

With arable land under continuous cultivation to meet the demands of a burgeoning population, an agricultural expert noted the detrimental effects of excessive fertilizers and pesticides, jeopardizing birds, insects, and other wildlife that are vital to the ecosystem.

From the Department of Fisheries, an official commented on the reduction of floodplains and water bodies, critical breeding and grazing sites, which, together with the drying and silting of ponds, rivers, and tributaries, have caused the extinction of many native fish, insects, and birds.

He proposed that initiatives such as re-excavating desiccated water bodies, conserving surface water resources, and extensive tree planting could be instrumental in safeguarding beneficial insects, native bird species, fish, and forest wildlife.

Given the escalating pressures from climate change, it is imperative for communities, policymakers, and conservationists to collaborate on sustainable solutions. Effective management of natural resources and proactive environmental stewardship can play pivotal roles in preserving biodiversity and restoring ecological balance.