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Distribution of plant species (CLIM 022) - Assessment published Sep 2008: Climate change, in particular milder winters, is responsible for the observed northward and uphill distribution shifts of many European plant species. Mountain ecosystems in many parts of Europe are changing as pioneer species expand uphill and cold-adapted species are driven out of their ranges. By the late 21st century, distributions of European plant species are projected to have shifted several hundred kilometres to the north, forests are likely to have contracted in the south and expanded in the north, and 60 % of mountain plant species may face extinction. The rate of change will exceed the ability of many species to adapt, especially as landscape fragmentation may restrict movement.
Located in Data and maps › Indicators › Distribution of plant species
Distribution and abundance of animal species (CLIM 024) - Assessment published Nov 2012: Observed climate change is having significant impacts on European fauna. These impacts include range shifts as well as local and regional extinctions of species. There is a clear poleward trend of butterfly distributions from 1990 to 2007 in Europe. Nevertheless, the migration of many species is lagging behind the changes in climate, suggesting that they are unable to keep pace with the speed of climate change. Distribution changes are projected to continue. Suitable climatic conditions for Europe’s breeding birds are projected to shift nearly 550 km north-east by the end of the 21st century under a scenario of 3 °C warming, with the average range size shrinking by 20 %. Habitat use and fragmentation and other obstacles are impeding the migration of many animal species. The difference between required and actual migration rate may lead to a progressive decline in European biodiversity.
Located in Data and maps › Indicators › Distribution and abundance of animal species
Increase in species richness on Swiss Alpine mountain summits in 20th century: Endemic, coldadapted species are declining as pioneer species drive them out of their characteristic niches due warming conditions
Located in Data and maps › Maps and graphs
Nature protection and biodiversity - Why care? (Luxembourg): SOER Common environmental theme from Luxembourg - nature protection and biodiversity
Located in The European environment – state and outlook 2010 › Country assessments › Luxembourg
Nature protection and biodiversity - Drivers and pressures (Luxembourg): SOER Common environmental theme from Luxembourg - nature protection and biodiversity
Located in The European environment – state and outlook 2010 › Country assessments › Luxembourg
Nature protection and biodiversity - Outlook 2020 (Luxembourg): SOER Common environmental theme from Luxembourg - nature protection and biodiversity
Located in The European environment – state and outlook 2010 › Country assessments › Luxembourg
Nature protection and biodiversity - National Responses (Luxembourg): SOER Common environmental theme from Luxembourg - nature protection and biodiversity
Located in The European environment – state and outlook 2010 › Country assessments › Luxembourg
Hotspots of plant, bird and mammal diversity based on richness and narrow endemism: The map shows hotspots of plant, bird and mammal diversity in Europe based on richness and narrow endemism
Located in Data and maps › Maps and graphs
Projected changes in mammalian species richness: Projected changes in in mammalian species richness by 2100 under emissions scenarios B1 (left) and A2 (right) in a 10’ resolution. Units in percentage.
Located in Data and maps › Maps and graphs