GE-STS

University of San Carlos

Teacher: Goron, Darwin Matocino Date: 11/03/23

Subject: Group 3 GE-STS Time: M W F 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM

BIODIVERSITY
By: Neri Kathleen Cuevas
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Biodiversity, or the variety of life on Earth, is a fundamental component of

the natural world that sustains our planet's health and vitality, as I learned in the
video. It includes the numerous plant, animal, microorganism, and ecosystem
species that coexist and interact in complex ways. Biodiversity is not only
necessary for ecosystem balance and resilience, but it also plays an important
role in climate change mitigation. This essay examines the profound importance
of biodiversity and its intricate relationship with climate change, emphasizing
how they are mutually dependent.

Biodiversity is important for a variety of reasons. For starters, it ensures the

stability and resilience of the ecosystem. Diverse ecosystems are better able to
withstand environmental disturbances like extreme weather and diseases.
Biodiversity loss can upset these delicate balances, making ecosystems more
susceptible to stressors. Second, biodiversity helps to provide ecosystem services
such as clean air and water, fertile soil, and crop pollination. These services are
critical to people's survival and well-being. Diverse plant communities, for
example, can improve soil fertility, which is critical for agriculture and food
security. Furthermore, biodiversity is a source of enormous genetic diversity. This
genetic pool is critical for the development of new medicines, crops, and
technologies that can address a variety of challenges, including climate
change.
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As stated in the video about climate change, the relationship between

biodiversity and climate change is intricate and symbiotic. Climate change,
which is primarily caused by human activity, has a significant impact on
biodiversity. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and extreme
weather events can result in habitat destruction, species extinction, and altered
migration patterns. These changes place tremendous strain on ecosystems and
the species that live within them. In contrast, biodiversity is critical in mitigating
climate change. For example, forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing
carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Healthy coral reefs and wetlands protect
coastlines from erosion and storm surges, mitigating sea-level rise damage.
Agriculture benefits from biodiversity as well, because it provides natural pest
control, soil health, and crop resilience in the face of changing climate
conditions.

In conclusion, the value of biodiversity cannot be overstated because it

sustains life on Earth by providing ecosystem services, genetic resources, and
helping to mitigate climate change. The link between biodiversity and climate
change is undeniable. Climate change efforts must prioritize biodiversity
preservation and restoration, as this will not only help mitigate climate change
but also ensure the survival and well-being of all living organisms, including
humans. Recognizing and appreciating the complex relationship between
biodiversity and climate change is critical in our collective efforts to build a more
sustainable and resilient future for our planet.
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