Scientists have warned that climate change is affecting all life on Earth, from the different kinds of ecosystems on the planet to the genetic makeup of microorganisms and humans.
Researchers from the University of Queensland and University of Florida found that from 94 marine and land ecosystem processes that are considered crucial to maintaining healthy systems on the planet, 80 percent of them are now showing telltale signs of stress and degradation due to global warming and climate change.
According to the lead author of the study, Brett Scheffers from the University of Florida, this is truly clear evidence that even if there is only a single degree of increase in global temperatures, it will result in a major impact on every kind of biodome and ecosystem on Earth.
Researchers say that this stress among many species and ecosystems can be disastrous to humans as it could result in food scarcity due to decline in fish and agriculture harvests and disease outbreaks.
According to the lead author of the study, James Watson of the Wildlife Conservation Society and the University of Queensland, this level of change can be observed all over even if the effects of climate change are just beginning. Governments and policy makers should accept and be able to mitigate excess greenhouse gas emissions since this will be a likely environmental disaster.
Researchers say that this is nature's way of sending distress signals and responding to manmade climate change. By observing and studying these genetic effects on the world's species, future studies can develop new ways to curb the effects of climate change and global warming on all species on Earth.
This study was published in the journal Science.