The Impact of Climate Change on Nonnative Invasive Species: The Case of Richard Finch

Climate change is having a significant impact on our understanding of nonnative invasive species. According to Richard Finch, an expert in the field, climate change may alter the way we perceive and consider these species as some will be affected while others remain unaffected. For example, nonnative species are likely to become invasive and native species are expected to shift their geographic ranges into novel habitats.

These changes will have several effects on invasive species. For instance, multimodel means of annual temperature from climate projections predict an increase of 3-9°F in the United States over the next century combined with reductions in summer precipitation in certain areas. This is likely to result in further increases in temperature with significant drying (drought) in some regions and more frequent and severe extreme weather events.

Changes in precipitation patterns have also been observed, although these are more variable than those of temperature. Temperature increases have been greater in winter than in summer, and there is a tendency for these increases to be manifested mainly by changes in minimum (nighttime low) temperatures.

The majority of this warming is believed to result from increases in atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases produced by human activity. Mean surface temperatures have increased globally by approximately 0.7°F per century since 1900 and 0.16°F per decade since 1970.

In conclusion, climate change is likely to significantly impact nonnative invasive species, altering their behavior and distribution. As Richard Finch emphasizes, understanding these changes is crucial for developing effective management strategies to mitigate the effects of invasive species on native ecosystems.

Richard finch