Study links plant diversity loss to reduced CO2 absorption in Paraguay and Spain

A joint study published by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and Kiel University revealed that losing plant diversity could cause grasslands worldwide to absorb 15 per cent less CO₂ through photosynthesis by mid-century. The research found that in certain affected regions, CO₂ sequestration could drop by 50 per cent even if global warming is limited to 2 degrees Celsius. The study noted that the strongest reduction in gross primary productivity occurred around the equator in Paraguay.

The findings indicate that climate change could reduce the productivity of plants that currently dominate pastures and meadows. Furthermore, the loss of plant diversity reduces forage supply for grazing animals, which may threaten the livelihoods of people who depend on livestock grazing. Conversely, the study noted that gross primary productivity increased by up to 20 per cent in Spain under a low-functional-diversity scenario.