Javascript Other reports in this collection 9.3.3. The biodiversity of islands also could be adversely affected by climate change. A wide range of changes might be expected, including alterations in population size, species distribution, species composition, and the geographical extent of habitats and ecosystems, as well as an increase in the rate of species extinction. Although this situation is believed to be linked closely to increasing population pressures and habitat alteration, additional stressors such as projected climate change effects could further adversely affect island biodiversity.
Small islands are variable in their marine, coastal, and terrestrial biodiversity.
In contrast, other island ecosystems such as low-reef islands tend to have both low biodiversity and low endemism. The impacts of climate change, in association with human-induced stresses, probably would result in a loss of biodiversity. In addition, the capacity of species and ecosystems, such as mangroves, to shift their ranges and locations in response to climate change will be hindered by land-use practices that have fragmented existing habitats. It is highly probable that the effects of climate change will lead to adjustments in the global hydrological cycle, which could affect the distribution and availability of regional water resources. Climate variability on seasonal to interannual time scales can cause changes in precipitation which can affect the magnitude, rate, and timing of runoff and the frequency and intensity of floods and droughts.