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Rare Ecosystems Vanish Under Mining Threat
12 May
Summary
- Fragile rocky ecosystems face destruction from mining.
- Electric vehicle mineral demand threatens global habitats.
- Climate change worsens extinction risk for specialized species.
Rocky plateaus and hill outcrops in the Western Ghats, home to rare and endemic species, are facing severe destruction. Mining, quarrying, and climate change pose significant threats to these fragile ecosystems. A new international study highlights that the growing global demand for minerals used in electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy infrastructure could intensify pressure on similar habitats worldwide.
These often-overlooked rocky landscapes are described as habitat islands supporting highly specialized species. Researchers warn that the destruction of these ancient and unique biodiversity hotspots is irreversible. The study projects a nearly five-fold global increase in mining for energy-transition metals by 2050, alongside expanding quarrying activities.
Climate change presents an additional challenge, as many species on rock outcrops have narrow environmental requirements and limited mobility. Rising temperatures, droughts, and altered rainfall patterns could push these vulnerable species towards extinction, leading to an irreversible loss of species and evolutionary diversity.
