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Urbanisation

Urbanization is the process by which an increasing percentage of a population lives in urban areas, resulting in the growth and expansion of cities and associated social, economic, and environmental changes.

Impacts of Urbanisation on Biodiversity-

One of the most important adverse effects of urbanization is the destruction, fragmentation and isolation of many natural habitats (Antrop 2000). As a consequence, populations in these habitats become smaller and more isolated and therefore risk the loss of genetic diversity and eventually extinction. Furthermore, with the reduction of genetic diversity, the reproductive fitness and the ability to adapt to environmental changes is reduced. Source- From genes to habitats – effects of urbanisation and urban areas on biodiversity Inauguraldissertation

Reduction of the phylogenetic (measure of biodiversity which incorporates phylogenetic difference between species.) and functional (measure of functional traits of an organism that influences one or more aspects of ecosystem functioning) diversity, the creation of more homogeneous communities dominated by a few anthropophilic species, and the proliferation of invasive species. Source- Urbanization and biodiversity | CREAF

Biotic homogenization refers to the replacement of regional native (and often endemic) species with non-native, invasive and cosmopolitan species. Often it is the same non-native invasive species that are found in many cities worldwide. Source- How does urbanization affect biodiversity? – Ecologica

Species affected by Urbanisation-

Urbanization significantly impacts wall lizards, such as the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis), by altering their habitat preferences, behavior, and genetic diversity. Urban wall lizards utilize man-made structures for habitat, exhibit increased boldness and activity, and may rely on anthropogenic food sources. These populations often experience reduced genetic diversity and reproductive challenges due to habitat fragmentation and environmental changes. Conservation efforts should focus on creating green spaces, enhancing connectivity, and ongoing monitoring to mitigate the negative effects of urbanization on these lizards.

Source - From genes to habitats – effects of urbanisation and urban areas on biodiversity Inauguraldissertation

Strategies To mitigate impacts of Urbanisation on Biodiversity-

Creating Green Spaces: Develop parks, green roofs, and urban gardens to provide habitats for wildlife and promote biodiversity within cities.

Implementing Urban Planning: Design cities to minimize habitat fragmentation, preserve natural areas, and create wildlife corridors that connect different habitats.

Promoting Sustainable Development: Encourage the use of eco-friendly building materials, energy-efficient designs, and renewable energy sources to reduce environmental impact.

Restoring Natural Habitats: Rehabilitate degraded areas and reintroduce native species to restore ecosystems and support biodiversity.

Source - Nature in Cities | UNEP - UN Environment Programme

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Negative Impact

Coral Bleaching: Over the past few decades, the Great Barrier Reef has experienced multiple mass bleaching events. These events, caused by elevated sea temperatures, have resulted in significant coral death. The loss of coral has a massive effect on marine biodiversity, as the reef supports a vast array of marine life.

Positive Impact

Conservation Efforts: In response to the threats posed by climate change, Australia has increased its conservation efforts. The Reef 2050 Plan aims to improve the health and resilience of the Great Barrier Reef. These efforts include reducing pollution, managing fishing, and restoring damaged habitats, which can enhance biodiversity resilience in the face of climate change.

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Group 3 - Deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest 

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Group 3 - Deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest 

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The Amazon rainforest is the world's largest and tropically most biodiverse rainforest on the planet. However, according to the Council on Foreign Relations, by the year 2022 around 26% of the forest was considered deforested or highly degraded due to primarily cattle ranching which accounts for 80% of all deforestation with the remaining reasons stemming from soy bean plantations, logging, road construction, hydropower dams, and small-scale subsistence farming. This deforestation operation by the Brazilian government is due to the aim of economic growth and prosperity through the exploitation of natural resources. which is possibly the sole positive impact of deforestation. However, there are 5 major negative drawbacks:

Loss of Habitat - Deforestation leads to the destruction of natural habitats of countless species, forcing them to relocate, adapt, or face extinction. A majority of these species have low resilience and cannot survive outside their natural habitats. Moreover, the loss of habitats causes fragmentation which is the division of forests into smaller isolated patches which disrupts the living conditions for species, making it harder for them to find food, mates, and shelter.

Extinction of Species - The immediate effect of deforestation is the loss of plant and animal species. Tropical rainforests are home to a significant portion of the world's biodiversity. When these forests are destroyed, many species both well-known and countless lesser-known organisms are lost forever.

Disruption of Ecosystems - Forests are complex ecosystems with intricate relationships between species. Deforestation disrupts these relationships, leading to ecological imbalances. A prominent consequence of the same is soil erosion which affects water quality and agricultural productivity.

Climate Change - The Amazon Rainforest is the world's largest carbon sink, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, on the split side, deforestation releases stored carbon back into the atmosphere making it a carbon source instead of a carbon sink. Additionally, increased deforestation causes climate change altering weather patterns and leading to changes in precipitation, temperature, and wind patterns, which can further affect biodiversity.

Impact on Indigenous communities - The Indigenous groups of Brazil treat the Rainforest next only to god because their livelihood, culture, and identity are affected by it. The loss of biodiversity impacts their traditional ways of life and knowledge systems and resource depletion affects their survival because of the lack of availability of food, medicinal plants, and materials that indigenous communities rely on.

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Agriculture is essential for human survival, but its expansion and intensification have significant effects on biodiversity.

Examples

1) Habitat Loss and Fragmentation

The Amazon rainforest, also known as the "lungs of the Earth," has high biodiversity. Large-scale deforestation for cattle ranching and soybean cultivation has led to significant habitat loss. This includes species extinction, reduced genetic diversity, and disruption of ecological processes.

2) Monoculture

Corn and Soybean Monoculture in the Midwest, USA, involves the cultivation of a single crop over a large area. It reduces habitat diversity and increases vulnerability to pests and diseases. Additionally, there is soil degradation, loss of native plant species, and decreased resilience of ecosystems.

3) Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Organic farming practices in Europe avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, promoting biodiversity. It enhances soil health, and supports the growth of diverse plant and animal species.

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Group 5: Destruction of Biodiversity due to Resource Extraction

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Group 5: Destruction of Biodiversity due to Resource Extraction

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Jhansi Open Cast mining site:

Mining in Bundelkhand region are mainly carried out by opencast extraction method. Open cast mining involves the removal of overburden including the valuable topsoil and plus the natural vegetative cover to meet the ore deposits. These activities are associated with harmful effects to the local environment. Mining activities are carried out in various stages, each of them involving specific environmental impacts. Broadly speaking, these stages are: deposit prospecting and exploration, mine development and preparation, mine exploitation, and treatment of the minerals obtained at the respective installations with the aim of obtaining marketable products.The emerging environmental hazards associated with open cast mining practices are many but the major problems may be summarised as follow

One major crisis of the present day in Bundelkhand region is the rapid loss of biodiversity. Large scale operations of mining activities have contributed directly or indirectly to the depletion of the biological diversity in the region. Vegetative covers are open up at various places to expedite excavation of ore, development of mining infrastructure and dumping of overburdens. Removal of vegetative cover is often followed by massive soil erosion, siltation of river and reservoirs. The direct impacts on the living organisms in the mining areas may range from death of plants and animals due to mining activity or contact with toxic wastes and mine drainages, disturbance of wildlife habitat due to blasting and heavy machines. Indirect impacts may include changes in nutrient cycling, disruption of food chain and instability of ecosystem.

Loss of unique ecosystems: The Jhansi region, known for its diverse geological formations, supports a variety of endemic plant and animal species. Open cast mining has led to the destruction of these unique ecosystems, such as grasslands, scrublands, and rocky outcrops.

Destruction of wildlife corridors: Many wildlife species rely on specific corridors for movement between habitats. Mining operations also often disturb the corridors, separating and isolating populations and reducing genetic diversity.

Impact on pollination: The removal of native vegetation has negatively affected pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds, leading to a decline in pollination for both wild plants and agricultural crops.

Soil Degradation: The rich biodiversity of soil organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and invertebrates, is extremely important for nutrient cycles and soil structure. Mining activities disrupt the balance, which leads to soil infertility and erosion.

Effect on the aquatic ecosystem: Mining operations can release heavy metals, sediments and chemicals into water bodies that can harm aquatic life. It can also change water flow, drying up streams, ponds and wetlands and negatively impact dependent species.

Some ways to mitigate the impact of mining on the local biodiversity in Jhansi are:

Reclaiming mined areas: Replanting native vegetation to restore soil fertility and create suitable habitats for wildlife.

Re-establishing local aquatic systems: Restoring natural water bodies and drainage patterns.

Protected area establishment: Creating protected areas around mining sites to safeguard critical habitats and species.

Minimising environmental impact: Adopting technologies and methods to reduce land disturbance, water pollution, and air pollution.

Strengthening environmental regulations: Enforcing strict environmental laws and regulations for mining operations.

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