Many endemic species can go extinct unless Paris pact goal is met

Many animals and plants unique to the world’s most scenic natural places face extinction if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, according to a new study published in the journal Biological Conservation recently.
In particular, the analysis shows that all endemic species from islands and more than four out of five endemic species from mountains are at high risk of extinction due to climate change alone.
However, remaining within the climate goals of the Paris Agreement — which aims to keep global heating well below 2°C, ideally at 1.5°C, compared to a baseline — would save the majority of species.

The study shows due to climate change, on mountains, 84% of endemic animals and plants face extinction at these temperatures, while on islands that number rises to 100%.
Overall, 92% of land-based endemic species and 95% of marine endemics face negative consequences, such as a reduction in numbers, at 3°C.
Endemic species threatened by climate change include lemurs, which are unique to Madagascar, and the snow leopard, one of the most charismatic animals of the Himalayas. They also include important medical plants such as the lichen Lobaria pindarensis, used to alleviate arthritis.
If greenhouse gas emissions keep rising, then places like the Caribbean islands, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka could see most of their endemic plants go extinct as early as 2050.
The tropics are especially vulnerable, with over 60% of tropical endemic species facing extinction due to climate change alone.
But if countries reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement, then most endemic species will survive, the analysis found. In total, just 2% of endemic land species and 2% of endemic marine species face extinction at 1.5°C, and 4% of each at 2°C.

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