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Scientists' warning to humanity: microorganisms and climate change.
Ricardo Cavicchioli1, William J Ripple2, Kenneth N Timmis3
1School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia. r.cavicchioli@unsw.edu.au.
Nature Reviews. Microbiology
|June 20, 2019
Summary
Microorganisms are crucial for life and play a central role in climate change biology. Understanding their responses is essential for environmental sustainability in the Anthropocene.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Climate Change Biology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- The Anthropocene is characterized by widespread climate change impacting Earth's life.
- Microorganisms underpin all higher trophic life forms.
- The 'unseen majority' of microbes are vital for understanding planetary health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical role of microorganisms in climate change.
- To emphasize the need to study microbial responses to anthropogenic impacts.
- To inform strategies for environmental sustainability.
Main Methods:
- Consensus statement development.
- Review of microbial roles in climate change.
- Analysis of microbial interactions with climate and human activities.
Main Results:
- Microorganisms significantly influence climate change, including greenhouse gas cycling.
- Microbial communities are themselves affected by climate change and human activities.
- The global importance of microorganisms in climate change biology is established.
Conclusions:
- Humanity must incorporate microbial knowledge to address climate change.
- Microbial responses are key determinants of climate change impacts.
- Protecting and understanding microorganisms is essential for a sustainable future.