Climate Change Could Kill A Third of Parasite Species by 2070

[JonLP24]

In what has been described as the most comprehensive study on the matter, scientists believe climate change might eliminate a third of all parasite species by the year 2070.

Although most of us detest the presence of parasites and fear the diseases they may cause, these tiny creatures are also helpful in maintaining the balance in the world’s ecosystems. According to the Guardian, if major extinction events result in the death of certain parasite species, surviving species could theoretically invade new areas. That would lead to a ripple effect, where these parasites could compromise the health and lives of humans and other animals and play a key role in the ongoing sixth mass extinction on Earth.

The researchers used the Smithsonian Institution Museum of National History’s collection of 20 million parasites to determine how 457 parasite species are distributed around the world. Using climate modeling and theories on future scenarios, the researchers determined that about 10 percent of all parasites would be extinct in 2070, as habitats continue becoming unsuitable. Climate change, however, could cause a third of all parasites to go extinct if the disappearance of host species is also taken into account.

In the words of study lead author Colin Carlson of the University of California, the above figures represent “staggering” numbers.

Curbing climate change could reduce parasite extinctions in the decades to come, the researchers added. If parasite native ranges, for instance, go down by 20 percent in areas where fossil fuel emissions have been, or are likely to be cut down directly, this figure could go up to about 37 percent if toxic emissions remain at their current levels or higher.

https://www.inquisitr.com/4487006/climate-change-could-kill-a-third-of-all-parasite-species-by-2070/

[gratuitous]

1. This might get Republicans' attention

If we can tie climate change to their very survival as a parasite species, maybe that would spur them to do something about it.

[Binkie The Clown]

2. Some consider humans a parasite. nt

[democratisphere]

3. Mother Nature and Mother Earth would agree.

[B2G]

4. Will fleas die?

Cause I'd be cool with that.

[mjvpi]

5. One can only hope that corporate capitalism is in the one third.

All kidding aside, the lack of understanding of interdependent systems is just staggering. The explanation of science in the MSM is horrifying. They will endlessly show a Senator throwing a snowball without factually exposing him. Even in the way they analyze economic issues they fail to dig into the systemic consequences of private and public policy. The article you sight is a perfect example.