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Threats of global warming to the world’s freshwater fishes

Author

Listed:
  • Valerio Barbarossa

    (Radboud University
    PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency
    Leiden University)

  • Joyce Bosmans

    (Radboud University)

  • Niko Wanders

    (Utrecht University)

  • Henry King

    (Unilever R&D, Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre)

  • Marc F. P. Bierkens

    (Utrecht University
    Deltares)

  • Mark A. J. Huijbregts

    (Radboud University)

  • Aafke M. Schipper

    (Radboud University
    PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency)

Abstract

Climate change poses a significant threat to global biodiversity, but freshwater fishes have been largely ignored in climate change assessments. Here, we assess threats of future flow and water temperature extremes to ~11,500 riverine fish species. In a 3.2 °C warmer world (no further emission cuts after current governments’ pledges for 2030), 36% of the species have over half of their present-day geographic range exposed to climatic extremes beyond current levels. Threats are largest in tropical and sub-arid regions and increases in maximum water temperature are more threatening than changes in flow extremes. In comparison, 9% of the species are projected to have more than half of their present-day geographic range threatened in a 2 °C warmer world, which further reduces to 4% of the species if warming is limited to 1.5 °C. Our results highlight the need to intensify (inter)national commitments to limit global warming if freshwater biodiversity is to be safeguarded.

Suggested Citation

  • Valerio Barbarossa & Joyce Bosmans & Niko Wanders & Henry King & Marc F. P. Bierkens & Mark A. J. Huijbregts & Aafke M. Schipper, 2021. "Threats of global warming to the world’s freshwater fishes," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-21655-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21655-w
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    Cited by:

    1. Laura Scherer & İrem Gürdal & Peter M. van Bodegom, 2022. "Characterization factors for ocean acidification impacts on marine biodiversity," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 26(6), pages 2069-2079, December.
    2. Ji, Qianfeng & Li, Kefeng & Wang, Yuanming & Feng, Jingjie & Li, Ran & Liang, Ruifeng, 2022. "Effect of floating photovoltaic system on water temperature of deep reservoir and assessment of its potential benefits, a case on Xiangjiaba Reservoir with hydropower station," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 195(C), pages 946-956.
    3. Ly, Sophanna & Uk, Sovannara & Theng, Vouchlay & Kaing, Vinhteang & Yoshimura, Chihiro, 2024. "Integration of life cycle and habitat conditions in modeling fish biomass in the floodplain of the Lower Mekong Basin," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 488(C).

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