How does weather and climate affect

biodiversity in a tundra?

By: Nana Gyamfi Mends

Introduction
The article's main goal is to examine how climate and weather effect biodiversity
around in a tundra. Temperature, precipitation (snow or rain), wind, and sunlight are
all included in the term "weather," which describes the atmospheric conditions at a
particular location and time. As compared to weather, climate refers to the typical
weather in a particular location over a long period of time, typically 30 years or more.
It describes the typical weather patterns in a region, the suitability of the habitat,
population size, and survival tactics of various species are all greatly impacted by
these meteorological and climatic factors. Every region, from the lush rainforests to
the freezing tundras, has a distinct climate and weather pattern that influences the lives
of those who occupy it.

Personal perspective
I personally believe through my research that climate and weather play crucial roles in
shaping biodiversity in these extreme environments. Exploring the data, I've
discovered how the tundra's freezing temperatures, short growing seasons, and unique
adaptations make it a challenging yet vital habitat for a diverse range of species.
Weather events like snowstorms and temperature fluctuations can have immediate
impacts, disrupting the daily lives of plants and animals. For instance, heavy snowfall
can bury vegetation, making it harder for animals to find food. Moreover, climate
change is accelerating the thawing of permafrost, altering the landscape and releasing
stored carbon into the atmosphere, which further exacerbates global warming.
Climate change is shrinking the tundra's habitat, endangering its biodiversity. Rising
temperatures are thawing permafrost, disrupting life in the tundra. This affects species
like Arctic foxes and polar bears, whose homes are disappearing. Protecting the tundra
requires action: reducing greenhouse gas emissions, preserving habitats, and involving
local communities. By acting now, we can ensure the tundra's survival and the species
that depend on it.
National perspective
In my national perspective I will be looking at the tundras of Alaska and what the US
is doing to protect them. The Alaskan tundra stands as a critical ecosystem within the
United States, renowned for its unique biodiversity and ecological importance. Home
to iconic species like caribou and Arctic foxes, this landscape plays a vital role in
global climate regulation. However, it faces escalating threats from climate change,
with rising temperatures triggering permafrost thaw and disrupting the delicate
balance of this fragile environment.
Over the years, the Alaskan tundras have been getting smaller because of climate
change. Warmer temperatures are causing the frozen layer of soil, called permafrost,
to thaw. This thawing is changing the landscape and making it harder for plants and
animals to survive. Species like caribou and Arctic foxes are losing their homes, and
the land is sinking in some areas. This loss of tundra habitat not only affects local
wildlife but also has global consequences. The Arctic helps regulate the Earth's
climate, and the melting tundra releases carbon into the atmosphere, making climate
change worse.
The United States is concerned about the disappearing tundras in Alaska, recognizing
the serious threat posed by climate change. They understand that rising temperatures
are causing permafrost to thaw, leading to significant changes in the landscape and
endangering the rich biodiversity of the region. To combat this issue, the US
government is taking decisive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote
the use of renewable energy sources. Additionally, conservation efforts are being
prioritized to protect and restore tundra habitats, aiming to preserve the unique
ecosystems and the species that depend on them. Collaborative efforts involving
government agencies, scientists, conservation organizations, and indigenous
communities are crucial in addressing this challenge effectively.