The conservation of biodiversity in the UK (and, indeed, across Europe) will have a more fluid context as a result of climate change (Brooker and Young, 2006). There will be changes in community and habitat composition, and these are likely to have important, possibly unforeseen consequences for ecosystem functioning and, in turn, provision of some goods and services on which we depend.

 

If species are to survive under changing conditions, then landscapes will need to be suitably permeable so as to enable them to move northwards or upwards, tracking their "climate envelopes" or the movement of other species upon which they are dependent. There is a lack of clarity over what actions we need to take in order to create such permeability, and whether these would be the same or similar for all species.

 

The threat of climate change is driving adaptation responses in many sectors, most notably in agriculture (e.g. the introduction of drought tolerant varieties). It is important that we understand the impacts of adaptation activities on biodiversity, and that biodiversity considerations are incorporated at the outset of any actions.

 

Changes in the timing of biological processes, productivity and species distribution have already been detected in marine ecosystems in response to climate change. These responses show regional variability, with complex patterns of species movement and response to climate drivers. Climate change can be expected to result in further changes in the length of the growing season, community composition and species ranges. Trophic disruption is likely as a result of changes to timing of biological processes, and may have serious impacts throughout foodchains. Coastal ecosystems are expected to change in response to increased storminess and rises in sea levels (e.g. erosion of existing coastal habitats).