What is a significant ecological risk attributed to climate change?

Loss of biodiversity and habitat is a significant ecological risk attributed to climate change because climate change drastically alters the conditions in which many species thrive. As temperatures rise and weather patterns become more unpredictable, habitats can become unsuitable for the species that have adapted to them over time. For instance, warming temperatures can lead to habitat loss through the melting of ice in polar regions, affecting species like polar bears and seals that depend on sea ice. Additionally, changes in climate can disrupt migratory patterns, breeding seasons, and food availability, further contributing to the decline of various species.

Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem resilience, meaning that as species are lost, ecosystems become less capable of withstanding environmental stresses. This loss can lead to a cascade of further ecological consequences, impacting not only the species themselves but also the larger systems and services they support, such as pollination, clean water, and soil fertility.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the challenges presented by climate change. Increased soil fertility, improved ecosystem services, and a reduction of invasive species are not typical outcomes associated with climate change, which often leads to destabilization and degradation rather than restoration or enhancement of ecological balance.