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Can we reduce the impact of climate change through the restoration of degraded ecosystems and increase provision of ecosystem services?

Leonce Sumpter

Absolutely! Climate change is a big problem that affects everyone on the planet, but there are things we can do to help reduce its impact. One of those things is restoring degraded ecosystems and increasing the amount of ecosystem services they provide.

First, let's talk about what an ecosystem is. An ecosystem is made up of all the living things (like animals and plants) and non-living things (like water and soil) that work together in a certain area. For example, a forest is an ecosystem, as is a coral reef or a grassland.

Now, sometimes ecosystems become degraded. This means that they are damaged or destroyed in some way, usually because of things like pollution, deforestation, or climate change. When an ecosystem is degraded, it can no longer function properly. This means that the animals and plants that live there may die, and the ecosystem services that it used to provide (like clean air and water, or food for people and animals) may be lost.

But there is hope! By restoring degraded ecosystems, we can help them to function properly again. This might involve doing things like planting new trees in a deforested area, or restoring wetlands that have been drained. When we restore a degraded ecosystem, we can help the animals and plants that live there to thrive again. And when they thrive, they can provide important ecosystem services to people and the environment.

For example, a healthy forest ecosystem can help to absorb carbon dioxide from the air, which is one of the main contributors to climate change. Wetlands can help to filter pollutants out of water, making it safe for people and wildlife to drink. And grasslands can provide food and habitat for a variety of animals, including livestock that people can raise for food.

So, to answer your question, yes - restoring degraded ecosystems and increasing the provision of ecosystem services can definitely help to reduce the impact of climate change. By doing so, we can create healthier, more resilient ecosystems that will benefit people and the environment for years to come!