Author
Phillipa C. McCormack
Bio: Phillipa C. McCormack is an academic researcher from University of Tasmania. The author has contributed to research in topics: Sustainable development & Biodiversity. The author has an hindex of 8, co-authored 22 publications receiving 1521 citations.
Papers
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Hobart Corporation1, Spanish National Research Council2, University of Copenhagen3, University of Évora4, Conservation International5, University of Wollongong6, University of Hong Kong7, National Cheng Kung University8, Umeå University9, James Cook University10, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation11, Stellenbosch University12, University of Cape Town13, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration14, Monash University15, Yale University16, University of Tasmania17, University of Picardie Jules Verne18, Southern Cross University19, University of Western Australia20, University of Eastern Finland21, University of Queensland22, Zoological Society of London23, National Oceanography Centre24, University of Florida25, University of California, Irvine26, La Trobe University27, University of British Columbia28, Academia Sinica29, University of New South Wales30
TL;DR: The negative effects of climate change cannot be adequately anticipated or prepared for unless species responses are explicitly included in decision-making and global strategic frameworks, and feedbacks on climate itself are documented.
Abstract: Distributions of Earth’s species are changing at accelerating rates, increasingly driven by human-mediated climate change. Such changes are already altering the composition of ecological communities, but beyond conservation of natural systems, how and why does this matter? We review evidence that climate-driven species redistribution at regional to global scales affects ecosystem functioning, human well-being, and the dynamics of climate change itself. Production of natural resources required for food security, patterns of disease transmission, and processes of carbon sequestration are all altered by changes in species distribution. Consideration of these effects of biodiversity redistribution is critical yet lacking in most mitigation and adaptation strategies, including the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
1,917 citations
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University of Hong Kong1, Griffith University2, Conservation International3, University of Wollongong4, University of Tasmania5, University of Queensland6, National Cheng Kung University7, Hobart Corporation8, Washington University in St. Louis9, James Cook University10, University of Technology, Sydney11, Umeå University12, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation13, Stellenbosch University14, University of Cape Town15, National Marine Fisheries Service16, Yale University17, University of Picardie Jules Verne18, University of Copenhagen19, Cornell University20, University of Western Australia21, University of Eastern Finland22, Zoological Society of London23, Imperial College London24, University of Colorado Boulder25, The Nature Conservancy26, University of Florida27, University of California, Irvine28, Academia Sinica29, University of New South Wales30
TL;DR: It is demonstrated how ecological, conservation and social research on species redistribution can best be achieved by working across disciplinary boundaries to develop and implement solutions to climate change challenges.
Abstract: Climate change is driving a pervasive global redistribution of the planet's species Species redistribution poses new questions for the study of ecosystems, conservation science and human societies that require a coordinated and integrated approach Here we review recent progress, key gaps and strategic directions in this nascent research area, emphasising emerging themes in species redistribution biology, the importance of understanding underlying drivers and the need to anticipate novel outcomes of changes in species ranges We highlight that species redistribution has manifest implications across multiple temporal and spatial scales and from genes to ecosystems Understanding range shifts from ecological, physiological, genetic and biogeographical perspectives is essential for informing changing paradigms in conservation science and for designing conservation strategies that incorporate changing population connectivity and advance adaptation to climate change Species redistributions present challenges for human well-being, environmental management and sustainable development By synthesising recent approaches, theories and tools, our review establishes an interdisciplinary foundation for the development of future research on species redistribution Specifically, we demonstrate how ecological, conservation and social research on species redistribution can best be achieved by working across disciplinary boundaries to develop and implement solutions to climate change challenges Future studies should therefore integrate existing and complementary scientific frameworks while incorporating social science and human-centred approaches Finally, we emphasise that the best science will not be useful unless more scientists engage with managers, policy makers and the public to develop responsible and socially acceptable options for the global challenges arising from species redistributions
144 citations
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01 Mar 2020TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide an overview of current knowledge, based on a literature review, concerning the ways in which domestic cats impact wildlife; the resulting effects on native species' populations and ecosystems; and available strategies for addressing these issues.
Abstract: 1. Free-ranging domestic cats Felis catus, from owned pets to feral cats, impact biodiversity through predation, fear effects, competition, disease and hybridization.
Scientific knowledge regarding these impacts has recently increased, making it
timely to assess the role of nature conservation legislation in this connection. We
do so with particular regard to the obligations of governments around the world
under international wildlife law.
2. First, we provide an overview of current knowledge, based on a literature review,
concerning the ways in which domestic cats impact wildlife; the resulting effects
on native species’ populations and ecosystems; and available strategies for addressing these issues. In light of this knowledge, using standard legal research
methodology, we then identify and interpret relevant legal instruments, with a
particular focus on international wildlife treaties. Lastly, we identify and assess
factors that may influence the implementation of relevant obligations.
3. The outcomes of this analysis indicate that numerous legal obligations of relevance to free-ranging domestic cats already apply under global treaties such as
the Convention on Biological Diversity, Convention on Migratory Species and
World Heritage Convention, and a range of regional legal instruments for biodiversity conservation. Of particular significance are obligations concerning (a) invasive alien species; (b) protected areas and (c) protected species.
4. Many national authorities around the world are currently required, under international law, to adopt and implement policies aimed at preventing, reducing or
eliminating the biodiversity impacts of free-ranging domestic cats, in particular
by (a) removing feral and other unowned cats from the landscape to the greatest
extent possible and (b) restricting the outdoor access of owned cats.
5. Factors that can influence or impair the application of these obligations include
considerations of feasibility, scientific uncertainty, the interests of cat owners and
the (perceived) interests of domestic cats themselves. Even if such factors may to
some extent explain why many authorities have hitherto failed to take effective
action to address the threats posed by free-ranging domestic cats, from a legal perspective these factors provide little ground for justifying non-compliance with
international wildlife law.
45 citations
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TL;DR: This work describes key drivers related to climate-driven species redistributions that are likely to have a high impact and influence on whether a sustainable future is achievable by 2030 and synthesises examples of such actions as the basis of a strategic approach to tackle this global-scale challenge.
Abstract: One of the most pronounced effects of climate change on the world’s oceans is the (generally) poleward movement of species and fishery stocks in response to increasing water temperatures. In some regions, such redistributions are already causing dramatic shifts in marine socioecological systems, profoundly altering ecosystem structure and function, challenging domestic and international fisheries, and impacting on human communities. Such effects are expected to become increasingly widespread as waters continue to warm and species ranges continue to shift. Actions taken over the coming decade (2021–2030) can help us adapt to species redistributions and minimise negative impacts on ecosystems and human communities, achieving a more sustainable future in the face of ecosystem change. We describe key drivers related to climate-driven species redistributions that are likely to have a high impact and influence on whether a sustainable future is achievable by 2030. We posit two different futures—a ‘business as usual’ future and a technically achievable and more sustainable future, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. We then identify concrete actions that provide a pathway towards the more sustainable 2030 and that acknowledge and include Indigenous perspectives. Achieving this sustainable future will depend on improved monitoring and detection, and on adaptive, cooperative management to proactively respond to the challenge of species redistribution. We synthesise examples of such actions as the basis of a strategic approach to tackle this global-scale challenge for the benefit of humanity and ecosystems.
36 citations
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors address three major risks to oceans that arise from governance-related issues: (1) the impacts of the overexploitation of marine resources; (2) inequitable distribution of access to and benefits from marine ecosystem services, and (3) inadequate or inappropriate adaptation to changing ocean conditions.
Abstract: Ocean governance is complex and influenced by multiple drivers and actors with different worldviews and goals. While governance encompasses many elements, in this paper we focus on the processes that operate within and between states, civil society and local communities, and the market, including industry. Specifically, in this paper, we address the question of how to move towards more sustainable ocean governance aligning with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the UN Ocean Decade. We address three major risks to oceans that arise from governance-related issues: (1) the impacts of the overexploitation of marine resources; (2) inequitable distribution of access to and benefits from marine ecosystem services, and (3) inadequate or inappropriate adaptation to changing ocean conditions. The SDGs have been used as an underlying framework to develop these risks. We identify five drivers that may determine how ocean governance evolves, namely formal rules and institutions, evidence and knowledge-based decision-making, legitimacy of decision-making institutions, stakeholder engagement and participation, and empowering communities. These drivers were used to define two alternative futures by 2030: (a) ‘Business as Usual’—a continuation of current trajectories and (b) ‘More Sustainable Future’—optimistic, transformational, but technically achievable. We then identify what actions, as structured processes, can reduce the three major governance-related risks and lead to the More Sustainable Future. These actions relate to the process of co-creation and implementation of improved, comprehensive, and integrated management plans, enhancement of decision-making processes, and better anticipation and consideration of ambiguity and uncertainty.
31 citations
Cited by
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TL;DR: In this paper, a documento: "Cambiamenti climatici 2007: impatti, adattamento e vulnerabilita" voteato ad aprile 2007 dal secondo gruppo di lavoro del Comitato Intergovernativo sui Cambiamentsi Climatici (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change).
Abstract: Impatti, adattamento e vulnerabilita Le cause e le responsabilita dei cambiamenti climatici sono state trattate sul numero di ottobre della rivista Cda. Approfondiamo l’argomento presentando il documento: “Cambiamenti climatici 2007: impatti, adattamento e vulnerabilita” votato ad aprile 2007 dal secondo gruppo di lavoro del Comitato Intergovernativo sui Cambiamenti Climatici (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). Si tratta del secondo di tre documenti che compongono il quarto rapporto sui cambiamenti climatici.
3,979 citations
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Hobart Corporation1, University of Copenhagen2, Spanish National Research Council3, University of Évora4, Conservation International5, University of Wollongong6, University of Hong Kong7, National Cheng Kung University8, Umeå University9, James Cook University10, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation11, University of Cape Town12, Stellenbosch University13, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration14, Monash University15, Yale University16, University of Tasmania17, University of Picardie Jules Verne18, Southern Cross University19, University of Western Australia20, University of Eastern Finland21, University of Queensland22, Zoological Society of London23, National Oceanography Centre24, University of Florida25, University of California, Irvine26, La Trobe University27, University of British Columbia28, Academia Sinica29, University of New South Wales30
TL;DR: The negative effects of climate change cannot be adequately anticipated or prepared for unless species responses are explicitly included in decision-making and global strategic frameworks, and feedbacks on climate itself are documented.
Abstract: Distributions of Earth’s species are changing at accelerating rates, increasingly driven by human-mediated climate change. Such changes are already altering the composition of ecological communities, but beyond conservation of natural systems, how and why does this matter? We review evidence that climate-driven species redistribution at regional to global scales affects ecosystem functioning, human well-being, and the dynamics of climate change itself. Production of natural resources required for food security, patterns of disease transmission, and processes of carbon sequestration are all altered by changes in species distribution. Consideration of these effects of biodiversity redistribution is critical yet lacking in most mitigation and adaptation strategies, including the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
1,917 citations
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University of New South Wales1, Oregon State University2, Braunschweig University of Technology3, University of California, San Diego4, Norwegian University of Life Sciences5, University of Liverpool6, Max Planck Society7, University of Tasmania8, University of Vermont9, ETH Zurich10, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn11, Montana State University12, University of Amsterdam13, University of Southern California14, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory15, University of Hawaii at Manoa16, University of California, Berkeley17, Marine Biological Laboratory18, University of California, Irvine19, University of Georgia20, California Institute of Technology21, University of Edinburgh22, Ohio State University23, University of Sydney24, University of Alberta25, Georgia Institute of Technology26, University of Melbourne27, Australian Institute of Marine Science28, University of Texas Medical Branch29, University of Queensland30
TL;DR: This Consensus Statement documents the central role and global importance of microorganisms in climate change biology and puts humanity on notice that the impact of climate change will depend heavily on responses of micro organisms, which are essential for achieving an environmentally sustainable future.
Abstract: In the Anthropocene, in which we now live, climate change is impacting most life on Earth. Microorganisms support the existence of all higher trophic life forms. To understand how humans and other life forms on Earth (including those we are yet to discover) can withstand anthropogenic climate change, it is vital to incorporate knowledge of the microbial 'unseen majority'. We must learn not just how microorganisms affect climate change (including production and consumption of greenhouse gases) but also how they will be affected by climate change and other human activities. This Consensus Statement documents the central role and global importance of microorganisms in climate change biology. It also puts humanity on notice that the impact of climate change will depend heavily on responses of microorganisms, which are essential for achieving an environmentally sustainable future.
963 citations
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University of Tasmania1, Dalhousie University2, University of New South Wales3, Scottish Association for Marine Science4, Aberystwyth University5, Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom6, University of Western Australia7, Australian Institute of Marine Science8, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation9, Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory10, University of Washington11
TL;DR: Using a range of ocean temperature data including global records of daily satellite observations, daily in situ measurements and gridded monthly in situ-based data sets, this work identifies significant increases in marine heatwaves over the past century.
Abstract: Heatwaves are important climatic extremes in atmospheric and oceanic systems that can have devastating and long-term impacts on ecosystems, with subsequent socioeconomic consequences. Recent prominent marine heatwaves have attracted considerable scientific and public interest. Despite this, a comprehensive assessment of how these ocean temperature extremes have been changing globally is missing. Using a range of ocean temperature data including global records of daily satellite observations, daily in situ measurements and gridded monthly in situ-based data sets, we identify significant increases in marine heatwaves over the past century. We find that from 1925 to 2016, global average marine heatwave frequency and duration increased by 34% and 17%, respectively, resulting in a 54% increase in annual marine heatwave days globally. Importantly, these trends can largely be explained by increases in mean ocean temperatures, suggesting that we can expect further increases in marine heatwave days under continued global warming.
919 citations
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National University of Cordoba1, Leipzig University2, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ3, Indiana University4, United Nations5, University of the West Indies6, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology7, National Autonomous University of Mexico8, University of Minnesota9, University of Cambridge10, BirdLife International11, University of British Columbia12, National University of Río Negro13, National Institute for Environmental Studies14, Chiba University15, Michigan State University16, International Institute of Minnesota17, United Nations University18, Stellenbosch University19, Simón Bolívar University20, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation21, Hungarian Academy of Sciences22, University of Queensland23, Duke University24, Natural History Museum25, Imperial College London26, University of the West of England27, Stockholm University28, Clark University29, IFREMER30, University of Cape Town31, Radboud University Nijmegen32, George Mason University33, University of Oxford34, Royal Botanic Gardens35, University of the Philippines Diliman36
TL;DR: The first integrated global-scale intergovernmental assessment of the status, trends, and future of the links between people and nature provides an unprecedented picture of the extent of the authors' mutual dependence, the breadth and depth of the ongoing and impending crisis, and the interconnectedness among sectors and regions.
Abstract: The human impact on life on Earth has increased sharply since the 1970s, driven by the demands of a growing population with rising average per capita income. Nature is currently supplying more materials than ever before, but this has come at the high cost of unprecedented global declines in the extent and integrity of ecosystems, distinctness of local ecological communities, abundance and number of wild species, and the number of local domesticated varieties. Such changes reduce vital benefits that people receive from nature and threaten the quality of life of future generations. Both the benefits of an expanding economy and the costs of reducing nature's benefits are unequally distributed. The fabric of life on which we all depend-nature and its contributions to people-is unravelling rapidly. Despite the severity of the threats and lack of enough progress in tackling them to date, opportunities exist to change future trajectories through transformative action. Such action must begin immediately, however, and address the root economic, social, and technological causes of nature's deterioration.
913 citations