Lake 2010: Wetlands, Biodiversity and Climate Change
Theme 2: Climate change and biodiversity
T2_Poster_01
GLOBAL WORMING AMIDST GLOBAL WARMING – IN SITU AND EX
SITU BASED BIOREMEDIATION FOR PROMOTION OF EARTHWORM
POPULATION AND BIODIVERSITY
Annamalai, Azhagumurugan, Kanagaraj, Muthumanickam, Palraj, Veeradurai, R.
Saravanakumar# and P.Chandrasekaran*,
*Associate Professor, PG & Research Department of Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology, Vivekananda College (Autonomous
& Residential), Affiliated to Madurai Kamaraj University, Tiruvedakam west 625217, Madurai District
# Government Kallar Higher Secondary School, Vilampatty 624219, Dindigul District
Earthworms occur in most temperate soils and many tropical soils. They are divided into 23 families,
more than 700 genera, and more than 7,000 species. They range from an inch to two yards in length and
are found seasonally at all depths in the soil. Earthworms dramatically alter soil structure, water
movement, nutrient dynamics and plant growth.
Different species of earthworms inhabit different layers of the soil and have distinct feeding strategies.
They can be separated into three major ecological groups based on their feeding and burrowing habits.
Epigeic species are surface soil and litter species. Endogeic species are upper soil species. Epigeic species
-forage below the surface, ingest large quantities of soil with a preference towards organic rich soil, and
build continuously ramifying burrows that are mostly horizontal. These species are apparently not of
major importance in litter incorporation and decomposition since they feed on subsurface material.
Anecic species are deep-burrowing species. Anecics have profound effects on organic matter
decomposition, nutrient cyclingand soil formation.
Square metres of cropland in the chosen districts were having the record of earthworm density of 45-360 with crop specific population and biodiversity difference. Grassland ecosystems were having 90-450
earthworms (N. Venkateswaran (1990), K.Muthumani (1992), G.Sreenath (2002), C. Perumal (2008),
P.Muthupandian (2008), R.Saravanakumar (2010). The present data for the above ecosystems are 27-216
and 45-281 respectively. If this distortion continue with reference to the population dynamics, the wealth
and health of the soil and the dependent cultivation will perish. - Factors concerned with this distortion
were identified as soil temperature, sub soil temperature, soil moisture, water holding capacity of the soil,
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Lake 2010: Wetlands, Biodiversity and Climate Change
moisture-atmospheric temperature relation, moisture- subsoil temperature, chemical agents used in the
day to day agricultural practice, size, shape and density of plantations.
Hence, a measure of introduction of earthworms to areas dwindled with earthworm population and not
previously populated has been planned. The in situ and ex situ methodologies followed led to
improvement in soil quality, soil productivity, earthworm population density, species diversity and
population dynamics. This may pave way for global level proliferation of earthworms resulting in “global
worming”, which is the need of the hour for organic agricultural revolution.
T2_Poster_02
IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN INDIA-CASE STUDIES
M. H. Fulekar1 and Hansa Boricha2
2Research
Scholar, University of Mumbai
1Professor,
Environmental Biotechnology,
Department of life-Sciences, University of Mumbai,
Vidyanagari campus, Mumbai 400098, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Corresponding author: mhfulekar@yahoo.com
The present paper overviews the research studies carried out in India indicating the predicted impact of
climate change on: temperature rise, sea level rise, agriculture and food, forestry, monsoon pattern, water
resources, aquatic ecosystems, terrestrial ecosystem natural habitats andhuman health. The change in
temperature, precipitation, - sea level and extreme weather can directly lead to - disastrous events. One such climatic change effect – that brought disaster to Mumbai has been cited as a case study. The heavy
rainfall in Mumbai on 26th July 2005, has created water logging in and around Mumbai causing disruption
of transport and overflowing of drainages thereby flooding all the low lying residential areas -, hospitals,
shopping complexes, offices, institutes and industries. The consequences of heavy rainfall lead to water
borne diseases like leptospirosis, gastroenteritis, jaundice, conjunctivitis etc., loss of lives of people and
animals, property damage and had generated huge solid waste comprising of garbage, biomedical waste
and industrial waste. The authorities –have made - proper planning and programs for mitigating the
impact of such disaster event.
India’s National action plan on climate change highlights national solar mission, national energy
efficiency
and sustainable habitat, water mission, sustaining Himalayan ecosystem, green India,
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Lake 2010: Wetlands, Biodiversity and Climate Change
sustainable agriculture and strategic knowledge – of climate change. The implementation of the national
action plan and strategies made for implementing - the policy and programs are highlighted.
Keywords: Climate change, heavy rainfall, temperature rise, diseases, policy, national action plan
T2_Poster_03
POSSIBLE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON
WETLANDS AND BIRDS
A.K. Chakravarthy, B. Doddabasappa., Vasanthakumari and Shashank P.R
Department of Entomology, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK,
Bangalore-560 065, Karnataka, India
chakravarthyakshay@yahoo.com and chakravarthyakshay@gmail.com
There is increasing evidence that rising emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and other
radioactive gases lead to an increase in the earth’s surface temperature. As a result, the composition of
ecosystems that exist in each climatic zone is likely to change. This will be disruptive to wetlands and in
turn to waterfowl. Wetlands falling in the subtropical areas will be affected more than the tropical areas.
In tropical areas, coastal wetland will be more affected. Wetlands in the semi-arid and arid regions will be
the most affected. Environmental impact analysis for endangered species of waterfowls like Spoonbill,
Pelicans, Cranes, Herons and Storks are urgently required as these are critically endangered.
Significant changes in migratory bird species patterns have been observed in parts of the world and this
change appears to be largely driven by climatic changes. A report on Bird Species and Climate Change
(2006) demonstrates a “trend towards major bird extinction from global warming.” A warmer climate
disrupts the biological clocks of migratory birds. Migratory birds are particularly vulnerable as they
depend heavily upon separate breeding, wintering and stop-over sites. Changes to any one of the habitats
can put them at risk. As climate changes, migratory birds or other endemic species find themselves
outnumbered by invasive ones. Birds are sometimes hatching early in a warmer climate, but sometimes
insect food can flourish even earlier. Pied Flycatchers in Europe, for instance, have suffered from a lack
of caterpillars for their chicks. The critically endangered Siberian Crane, a wetland migratory bird whose
numbers worldwide are down to 3,000 individuals, is impacted by climate change. The problems faced by
bird populations worldwide, that may be traveling up to tens of thousands of miles, mean that drastic
changes in any single world region could push a wide variety of bird species out of existence. Human
activity responsible for greenhouse emissions - needs to be regulated.
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Lake 2010: Wetlands, Biodiversity and Climate Change
T2_Poster_04
IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON ARTHROPOD BIODIVERSITY
IN CULTIVATED ECOSYSTEMS
A.K. Chakravarthy., B.K. Shivanna., P.R. Shashank and B. Doddabasappa
Department of Entomology, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK,
Bangalore-560 065, Karnataka, India
chakravarthyakshay@yahoo.com and chakravarthyakshay@gmail.com
A change of climate is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity. According to the IPCC’s current
findings, the world’s surface air temperature has increased to an average of 060C (1.00F) during the 20th
century. Additionally, given the accelerating rate of temperature rise, the IPCC projects that during the
21st century, temperature- will rise much more than they did during the past.. Some researchers believe
that the effect of temperature on insects overwhelms the effects of other environmental factors.
It has been estimated that with a 20C increase, insects might experience to give additional life cycles per
season, especially the pest species like Brown plant hopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stal). Conversely, the
climate change will adversely impact natural enemies (being more sensitive) of pests. The increased
temperature can potentially affect insect survival, development, geographic range and population size.
Temperature can impact insect physiology and development directly or indirectly. For instance, plant
damage due to sap feeding insects like hoppers, aphids, whiteflies will exacerbate and negatively impact
crop yields. Depending on the development strategy of a an insect species temperature can exert different
effects. One would expect more frequent and intense precipitation events forecasted with climate change
negatively – impacting some insects favouring others. As with temperature, precipitation changes can
impact insect pests’ predators, parasites and diseases resulting in a complex. Generally CO2 impacts on
insects are thought to be indirect- impact on insect damage results from the changes in the crop. Some
researches have found that raising CO2 can potentially have important effects on insect pests’ problems.
Recently, free air gas concentration (FACE) technology was used to create an atmosphere with CO 2 and
O2 concentration similar to what climate change model predicts for the middle of 21 st century. During
early season, soybean (Glycine max) crop in an elevated CO2 atmosphere had 57% more damage from
insects (primarily Potato leafhopper, Western corn rootworm and Mexican bean beetle) than those grown
in today’s atmosphere.
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T2_Oral_05
ASSESSMENT CLIMATE CHANGE OF MAZANDARAN PROVINCE (IRAN)
USING GEOSTATISTICAL METHODS
Bahram Gholizadeh
M.S of Agrometeorology
Iran.mazandaran province.nour city
Email:bahram.gholizadeh@yahoo.com
- Globe is warming and climate is changing. Reason - for this phenomenon is increasing polluted density
and green house gases in atmosphere. In this research it was attempted to consider -Mazandaran climate
changes by geo-statistical methods in recent decade. For statistic analysis and nominating long term
climate change; precipitation, annual and monthly temperature average, annual mean of min, max
temperature of 9 weather stations were used. Then in GIS environment for diverse parameters climate
concerning maps were plotted. The results - showed - an increasing mean temperature during 1996-2005,
as regards to long term period, and this i- increase in central region is evident. While in west region of
province there is less changes in temperature than the other regions. Study of average min temperature
show that No. of days with temperature equal (0-2) ºC, particularly in mountain regions was decreased in
recent decade. And the increasing changes in minimum temperature are obvious. While in plain of
province it was +2 ºC in min temperature. Percentage of precipitation, in cost line didn’t – appear/ seem
sensible. But in central region towards coastline it is decreasing and - to south province it is increasing -.
Keywords: Global warming; Climate change; Geo-Statistical; Geographical Information System;
Mazandaran province
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T2_Poster_06
CLIMATE CHANGE AND BIO DIVERSITY
Mohammed S. Talha,
C. Abdul Hakeem College, Melvisharam
smdtalha@gmail.com
Climate change impacts including drought, crop failure, flooding, sea-level rise, and extreme weather
events are already being felt across the world, with the poorest people and vulnerable ecosystems hit
hardest. The effects of climate change will almost certainly persist for centuries, and depending on the
level of mitigation achieved, will be of increasing severity. Adaptation is necessary to cope with present
and future impacts.
Ever-increasing evidence suggests that healthy, bio-diverse environments play a vital role in maintaining
and increasing resilience to climate change, and in reducing climate-related risk and vulnerability.
Biodiversity, ecosystems and the functions and services they provide, such as water, food, soil protection,
clean air, disaster risk reduction and carbon capture, underpin the Earth’s life support system and our
sustainable development. This is particularly critical to many of the world’s people, who depend on
natural resources most directly for their livelihood and survival.
This paper includes many case studies from different countries around the world. They provide
compelling evidence of the roles that ecosystems play in climate change adaptation through protecting the
natural resource base, providing alternative livelihood options, and maintaining resilience to future
climate change. Bird Life International s experience shows that - supporting the application of local
knowledge and community engagement and action can build the resilience of natural and societal
systems, delivering locally appropriate solutions to help communities, countries and economies adapt to
the challenges of climate change. For the most vulnerable people in particular, an ecosystem approach to
adaptation will often be the first line of defense against the impacts of climate change.
The role of ecosystems in climate change adaptation is relevant to, and can be applied at, all scales: local,
landscape, national, trans boundary and international. Bird life is calling for the importance of healthy
ecosystems to be effectively written into national, regional and international climate change and
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Lake 2010: Wetlands, Biodiversity and Climate Change
development policy, as a key part of ensuring the current and future well-being of people and
biodiversity. All adaptation responses should be environmentally sound, and specifically recognize the
value and importance of healthy ecosystems as critical -in building resilience and adaptive capacity.
Maintaining healthy ecosystems, their functions and services, should be part of an overall adaptation
framework for people and our planet.
T2_Oral_07
CLIMATE CHANGE: MANUFACTURING NATURAL DISASTERS
Neelam Sharad Pathak, Tuhin Sharma
Gujarat National Law University, E-4, GIDC, Electronic Estate, Gandhinagar 382028, Gujarat
In today’s world, natural disasters are a frequent occurrence. Natural disasters are now so common that
they fail to impact lives in the manner that they ought to. In fact, either through the media or most likely
through firsthand experience, everyone alive has witnessed a natural disaster, one that wrecked lives and
livelihoods of the people who were victims –of
the said disaster. The obvious example is of tsunami
which affected people across the globe with a magnitude that would make it one of the most unforgettable
natural disasters to hit the earth. A major reason for this dramatic increase in natural disasters is climate
change. Repeatedly, experts have predicted that climate change will have a range of serious
consequences, some of which will influence human life over a longer period of time, such as the spread of
disease, sea level rise and increase in temperatures as well as some immediate and obvious impacts, like
intense rain and flooding.
This paper, aims to study in comprehensive detail, the cause and effect of climate change and the manner
in which it has influenced natural disasters. It also takes a look at the legal aspects of climate change and
the efforts taken by countries at a global level to prevent more damage from being caused to the
environment.
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T2_Oral_08
CLIMATIC CONDITION AND BIODIVERSITY PRODUCTIVITY OF LAKE
CHILIKA, ORISSA, INDIA
Sabyasachi Prusty and Prasanta Kumar Behera
Chilika ecotechnology research Laboratory, Department of Botany, Berhampur University, Berhampur-760007
E-mail- prasantkbu@gmail.com
The Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lake in India and a Ramsar site. The lake is a unique
assemblage of marine, brackish and fresh water ecosystem with estuarine characters. It is a hot spot of
biodiversity and a wintering ground for more than one million migratory birds. The drainage and coastal
processes are integral factors determining the ecological integrity of the coastal wetland. The fresh water
inflows from the drainage basin drive the temporal and spatial salinity dynamics of the lake, which
contributes to the mosaic of aquatic habitats for different plant, animal and algal species and the varying
lifecycle requirements of these species. It is primarily this dynamic hydrological regime that enables the
lake to support high biodiversity and productive ecosystem. Very commonly present algae Merismopedia
elegans, Spirullina subtilissima, Spirogyra sp.and Ulva lactuca etc and aquatic plants like Potamogeton
pectinatus, Phragmatis karka, Cyperus platystylis R.Br, Azolla pinnata. Algae are able to synthesize at
low costs many nutrients important for human beings such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. As raw
materials for food industry, algae are advantageous since they contain high concentration of proteins and
relatively high concentrations of natural pigments. Another advantage is that the whole algal body can be
used as food supplement, as it contains minerals, trace elements and healthy ingredients. Variations in the
species and biomass of phytoplankton assemblages of lake Chilika was investigated from the selected
study sites subjected to seasonal changes. In this paper potentiality of lake Chilika algal flora for
production of colorants and proteins with respect to climate changes are presented.
Acknowledgement: The authors acknowledge Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India,
New Delhi for financial assistance.
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