Response of the Biological Components to Climate Change in the Wetland Ecosystem of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Abstract

Alpine wetlands play a role in water conservation, climate regulation, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity protection. However, due to the unique geological structure and climate characteristics of alpine areas, climate change is highly likely to have an impact on alpine wetlands and their ecosystems, including the abundance and distribution of local species. This paper focuses on analyzing the composition, quantity, and distribution changes of wetland organisms, including producers, consumers, and decomposers. The research findings indicate that, with the intensification of human activities and climate change such as global warming, despite the emergence of some new wetlands, many natural alpine wetlands on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau are facing shrinkage and are gradually retreating towards higher altitudes, latitudes, and wetter areas, which means the extinction of some plants and the shrinkage of wildlife habitats. Changes in wetland environment, such as drying, resulting from increased temperature and decreased precipitation, have led to a decline in biodiversity and degradation of alpine wetland ecosystems. Despite an overall increase in vegetation cover, wetland degradation has caused changes in plant species diversity and community composition. Climate warming have also affected wildlife migration and the activity of microorganisms. The changes in plateau wetlands are primarily shaped by climate conditions, while human activities act as accelerators, causing significant damage to wetland environments, leading to fragmentation and accelerated degradation. This paper proposes strengthening ecological monitoring and risk assessment in these regions, conducting further research, and promptly implementing necessary restoration measures to reduce the ecological risks caused by these changes.