Environmental Science: Climate Change Impact on Freshwater Ecosystems

This report delves into the impact of climate change on freshwater ecosystems, encompassing wetlands, rivers, and lakes. It begins with an introduction to ecosystems and their components, followed by a detailed analysis of the unique properties, goods, and services provided by freshwater habitats. The main body discusses the vulnerabilities of these ecosystems and the significant effects of climate change, including rising temperatures, altered hydrology, and changes in species distribution. It explores the impact on microorganisms, aquatic vegetation, and various species of fish, mammals, and birds. The report also examines the consequences of changes in moisture systems, emphasizing the impact on wetland plants and animals. The conclusion summarizes the importance of these ecosystems, their roles in supporting biodiversity, and the need for conservation efforts. The report references several books and journals, as well as an online source, to support its findings.

Ecosystems

Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................3
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................5
REEFRENCES................................................................................................................................6

INTRODUCTION
An ecosystem is a group of living beings which interacts as a community in accordance with the
non-living elements of their atmosphere (Fish, Church and Winter, 2016). Such organic and
inorganic molecules elements are connected together across nutrient processes and transfers of
resource. This report includes Freshwater wetlands lakes and rivers unique properties or values,
goods and services, the key vulnerabilities and major impacts of climate change on this
ecosystem are discussed.
MAIN BODY
Freshwater habitats have a vast variety of products and services. Wetlands exhibit significant
biodiversity, act as pollutant controls and are essential for energy production and
carbon emissions. Rivers convey nutrients and water from the ground to the seas as well as
provide critical buffering ability particularly when supplied by natural streams and waterways
throughout droughts. Lakes act as pools for sediments and pollution and have critical archives of
ocean temperature change information. The features and international distribution of freshwater
aquatic ecosystems (which occupy around 10.3 Mkm2) vary considerably. Some biological fresh
water ponds are situated in the high latitudes, many manmade ponds take place throughout the
mid and reduce latitudes and several distilled water waterways appear at elevations of up to
5,000 m, especially in the Himalayas and Tibet. Many natural habitats are found in the boreal
zone and most controlled wetlands are situated in the tropical regions and sub-tropics. Global
region projections under rivers, streams and wetlands differ widely based on description.
Wetlands comprise the most diverse range of ecosystems follow gradients of hydrology and
nutrients and all main systems, especially products and services rendered, rely on the hydrology
of wetland depths. Inland waterways are subject to a great deal of pressure from greenhouse
gases (Griebler and Avramov, 2015). Aquatic habitats include a vast variety of goods and
services. Wetlands are very often 'hotspots' of biological diversity, and acting as pollutant
reservoirs from both extent and non-point sources, as well as are vital for sequestration of carbon
and pollution. Rivers convey water and minerals from the ground to the ocean water as well as
provide critical streaming ability particularly when fed by hillside springs as well as glaciers
throughout rainfall spells. Closed ponds act as reservoirs for sediments and biomass, offering
valuable reservoirs of natural climate increase knowledge.

Many freshwater aquatic habitats (Arctic, sub-Arctic bog populations on glaciers, depressed
wetlands with limited river systems, flooded or otherwise transformed peatlands) have been
identified as being most susceptible to climate change, and therefore have suggested limitations
for modifications related to the reliance on externally managed water supply. More recent
findings indicate insecurity that ranges according to geographic area. This involves major
negative effects of both water management and environment products and services declining
across 25 per cent of Africa by 2100 (Perillo and et.al., 2018).
The consequences of climate change on freshwater marine environments vary from overt
consequences of temperature increase and accumulation of CO2 to indirect effects by shifts in
hydrology arising from adjustments in area or global weather environments and lakes and ice
cover reduction (Impacts of climate change on that ecosystem, 2020). Increased temperatures
would have a detrimental impact on micro-organisms and aquatic vegetation amphibians, as well
as on the range of several species of fish; mammals, migratory birds and tropical native biota are
expected to migrate to poles with a few possible extinctions. Significant improvements in the
distribution of ecosystems, seasonality and development of planktonic organisms (e.g. decreases
in harmful blue-green algal blooms) including their food network activities would possibly arise
with subsequent changes in temperature conditions. Improved UV-B emissions and decreased
summer moisture would dramatically improve amounts of soluble organic matter, changing the
global biogeochemical cycles. Tropical reservoirs will, however, react with a reduction in NPP
and a reduction in fish quantities (e.g. 20 per cent NPP and 30 per cent decrease in fish numbers
in Lake Tanganyika related to global warming over the last decade). In many reservoirs, higher
concentrations of CO2 may tend to increase NPP even if it may also promote methane emissions
in drains and paddy areas, therefore eliminating positive impacts. Major changes in moisture
system variation can greatly affect wetland animals and plants at various stages in their
development cycle. In monsoonal areas, increased likelihood of precipitation reduces the
productivity of wetlands and extended dry cycles encourage wetland territorialisation. Increases
in moisture regimes can lead to a loss of habitat in dry land habitats. Increases in environment
and surface use would put more strain on already-stressed wetland habitats in several of the
world's waterways. Growing or reducing freshwater streams can often impact coastal wetlands
by modifying water temperature, inputs of sediments and nutrient charges (Schowalter, 2016).
Growing or reducing freshwater flows can often impact coastal wetlands by modifying salinity,

inputs of sediments and nutrient charges. Many native underwater plants grow in size. Water
volumes are predicted to grow in reservoirs at higher latitudes because climate forecasts suggest
elevated moisture while river levels are estimated to decrease in mid to low elevations. Shuttered
lakes are more susceptible to climate change owing to their vulnerability to shifts in oversupply
flows and precipitation. Adjustments in inflows to these lakes seem to have very significant
consequences, and can totally collapse in some climate conditions. Increase both the biological
production and photosynthesis in the water layer, supplying more decaying surface matter and
removing oxygen content. At the same period, higher temperatures reduce equilibrium values for
oxygen in the water, reducing the volume of atmospheric oxygen (Fish, Church and Winter,
2016).
CONCLUSION
In the end of report, it has been concluded that ecosystem as it offers shelter for natural flora
and fauna. It serves the numerous food chains and food systems. It controls and sustains
important ecological systems and lives. Moreover it is also included in the resource exchange
among the biotic and abiotic elements of the environment.

REEFRENCES
Books and Journals
Fish, R., Church, A. and Winter, M., 2016. Conceptualising cultural ecosystem services: A novel
framework for research and critical engagement. Ecosystem Services, 21, pp.208-217.
Griebler, C. and Avramov, M., 2015. Groundwater ecosystem services: a review. Freshwater
Science, 34(1), pp.355-367.
Perillo, G., and Hopkinson, et.al., 2018. Coastal wetlands: an integrated ecosystem approach.
Elsevier.
Schowalter, T. D., 2016. Insect ecology: an ecosystem approach. Academic press.
Online
Impacts of climate change on that ecosystem. 2020. [Online] Available Through:
<https://profmandia.wordpress.com/2010/08/16/climate-change-impact-on-freshwater-wetlands-
lakes-rivers/>