Ciencias de la Tierra y Medioambientales
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Browsing Ciencias de la Tierra y Medioambientales by Subject "CLIMATE-CHANGE"
Aridity Niche and Species Traits Mediate the Global Vulnerability of Passerine Birds
(GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, 2025-06) Petit, M.; Sayol, F.; Weideman, C.; Bertin, A.
Biodiversity is experiencing an unprecedented crisis, with intensifying global aridity representing a critical driver of species extinction. However, the extent to which species' preferences for specific aridity conditions and their tolerance to a range of aridity conditions influence their vulnerability remains poorly understood. Using data from 5558 passerine bird species, we examined how aridity niche affects current and projected extinction risks and whether these relationships are influenced by other ecological and life-history traits altering species persistence. Bayesian models revealed significant impacts of aridity niche position and breadth on both current and projected extinction risks, with these effects varying according to other species traits. Overall, aridity niche interacted with a wider range of traits for projected extinction risk than for current extinction risk, indicating a broader array of species requiring conservation attention in the future. Our results identified three key risk groups: (1) species preferring humid conditions, (2) species confined to arid zones with small clutch sizes, and (3) species with narrow aridity breadth and with low habitat breadth, short generation length, an omnivorous diet, and a full migrant strategy. By identifying passerine birds most at risk, our study offers critical insights for prioritizing conservation actions, guiding both geographic focus and the identification of species requiring more attention under the ongoing climate change.
Participatory scenario planning for sustainable development in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile : Addressing water scarcity and cultural preservation
(ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT, 2026-01) Salas-Bravo, S.; Bodini-Salas, A.; Araya-Pinones, A.
Global changes present significant challenges for development, particularly for Indigenous communities, owing to their economic and social impacts. This study explored participatory scenarios for the sustainable development of San Pedro de Atacama, over time scales of 10, 30, 50, and 100 years. Using a mixed-methods approach (quan -> QUAL), the research engaged key stakeholders, with an emphasis on the local Indigenous Lican Antai population, to identify critical pressures and events influencing the region's future. The findings reveal deep concerns regarding water scarcity, climate change, expanding lithium mining, increased tourism, and loss of Indigenous cultural identity. Two main scenarios have emerged: Social Water Management and Social Distrust. In both scenarios, future development could result in a significant loss of historical and cultural roots and deterioration of biodiversity. Water scarcity has been identified as a critical factor catalyzing potential events, such as migration, population reduction, the decline of agriculture, and the emergence of new water management initiatives. This study proposes six strategic axes for sustainable development: community unity, multi-perspective tourism planning, territorial management, trust-building, leadership strengthening, and conflict transformation. Successful implementation requires coordination with higher levels of governance and efforts to incorporate traditional and Indigenous knowledge into public policies and management strategies. This pioneering study offers crucial insights into community perceptions of climate vulnerability and pathways for sustainable development in the Atacama Desert region.