Monitoring the Effects of Human Pressures and Climate Change on Neotropical Islands: Development of a limnology baseline in neotropical islands
- Are Neotropical Islands Climate Change Hotspots?
- Could neotropical island aquatic ecosystems act as sentinels of climate change and human pressures?
Ocean islands are among the ecosystems most vulnerable to global warming. The threats associated with climate change, including sea level rise and extreme weather events, are particularly concerning. Coastal erosion, flooding, and an increase in food insecurity are attributed to the dependence on marine resources. These areas typically have limited natural resources and rely heavily on freshwater sources. Numerous studies have demonstrated that these sources are vulnerable to climate change, as they incorporate the properties of the surrounding landscape and atmosphere. Therefore, they are classified as indicators of climate change. Threats to the islands from climate change include changes in temperature, precipitation, and sea level rise. The network's objectives include strengthening scientific cooperation by generating and exchanging data and information on the effects of climate change on the islands and possible adaptation measures. It also aims to assess biodiversity losses and the increase in virus-associated diseases in these highly vulnerable areas.
