In the second in a series of videos produced as part of the Global Change in Mountain Ecosystems (GloMEc) project, Prof. Dirk S. Schmeller, Axa Chair for Functional Mountain Ecology at ENSAT, discusses the intensified climate-change induced warming and weather extremes being seen in mountain regions.
Mountains – A Fragile Source of Life is a new short video series that aims to delve into different aspects of mountains and why they are important for human society. In this second episode, Mountains – Sentinels of Change, Prof. Schmeller looks at the rapid changes in temperature and much higher variations in daily temperatures mountain regions are experiencing compared to lowland regions. What does this mean for the unique species living in these harsh yet fragile environments – and indeed for all of us who rely on the ecosystem services these species support?
"Changes in the mountains will lead to the loss of essential ecosystem services, which poses risks for the well-being of all of us. Mountains, despite their might, are fragile environments, suffering from human-induced changes. We need to treat mountains with respect to save our future. – Prof. Dirk S. Schmeller.
Video: Mountains – Sentinels of Change.
About Global Change in Mountain Ecosystems (GloMEc)
GloMEc is a project funded by the AXA Research Fund that aims to contribute to our understanding of mountain freshwater ecosystems, the services they provide to human society, and the risks we face as a result of future changes of these sensitive ecosystems. GloMEc will investigate patterns of pollution, pathogens, microorganisms, and global changes in mountain ecosystems to understand the interlinkages between biodiversity change, ecosystem health, and human well-being.
Cover image: A mountain lake in the Dolomites, Italy, captured by Kordula Vahle.
