There is growing concern that current data may not fully capture the impact of climate change on species, highlighting the need for updated assessments.

The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies to address the climate-related challenges facing vulnerable species.

The study emphasizes the urgency of addressing all five drivers of biodiversity loss to prevent further extinctions, as current knowledge gaps could obscure additional risks to vulnerable species.

The authors stress that immediate action is required to tackle these drivers, as highlighted in their paper published on April 24, 2025.

A recent study published in BioScience has identified climate change as the leading threat to species protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), surpassing other factors contributing to biodiversity loss.

The study identified five major drivers of human-induced biodiversity loss: climate change, land and sea use changes, species overexploitation, pollution, and invasive species, noting that 86% of these species face multiple threats.

Conducted by Talia E. Niederman and her team from Defenders of Wildlife, the research analyzed 2,766 imperiled species across the United States and its territories.

Human activities, particularly greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide and methane, are primarily responsible for the ongoing global warming trend.

Ecosystem changes driven by climate change are occurring at a rate that many species, including corals, bivalves, and amphibians, cannot adapt to effectively.

The authors advocate for the inclusion of climate sensitivity in ESA listing decisions and management plans to enhance conservation efforts.

Corals, bivalves, and amphibians are among the groups most severely impacted by climate change and face a greater number of threats compared to other species.

The simultaneous threats faced by many imperiled species complicate conservation efforts and necessitate a comprehensive approach.