Alexandre Antonelli, Director of Science at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, discusses protecting biodiversity. He emphasizes the need to document the richness of life to effectively protect it. The podcast explores how changes in landscape affect species adaptation, the speaker's personal and professional journey, and utilizing Q's archive to combat climate change. It also delves into combating illegal timber trade and the importance of considering biodiversity in tree planting initiatives.
The formation of mountains and rainforests plays a vital role in the evolution and movement of species, highlighting the strong connection between geography and biodiversity.
The Atlantic rainforest in Brazil, with its dwindling area, is home to unique species that require increased awareness and research for effective conservation strategies.
Deep dives
The formation of mountains and rivers shaped the conditions for species to evolve
The research of Alexander Antonelli, director of science at the Royal Botanic Gardens and professor of biodiversity, focuses on understanding how the landscape, particularly the formation of mountains and rivers, has played a crucial role in shaping the Earth's biodiversity. The change in landscape, such as the formation of mountains, creates varied conditions for species to adapt and evolve. For instance, mountains influence weather patterns, resulting in different climates on either side, leading to the development of unique species. This research highlights the strong connection between geography, climate, and the evolution of life on Earth.
The importance of the Atlantic rainforest and the need for its protection
The Atlantic rainforest in Brazil, often overshadowed by the Amazon, is a diverse ecosystem that once covered the entire coast of Brazil. With less than 8% of its original area remaining, it is crucial to highlight its significance and protect the unique species found within. The Atlantic rainforest harbors numerous species that are exclusive to the region, possessing immense value for both scientific study and ecosystem conservation. Despite its importance, the Atlantic rainforest remains relatively unknown, calling for increased awareness and research to understand its biodiversity and develop effective conservation strategies.
The role of mountains in biodiversity and climate change resilience
Mountains play a vital role in biodiversity and climate change resilience. Although they cover only one-eighth of Earth's surface, mountains contain approximately one-third of all species. The formation of mountains leads to the creation of diverse habitats, which enable species to evolve and adapt to the changing climate. Mountain ranges like the Andes in South America have contributed significantly to the high biodiversity of the region. Understanding the connections between space, time, and life forms in mountainous areas is crucial for protecting biodiversity and ensuring the survival of species in the face of climate change.
With the world's biodiversity being lost at an alarming rate, Alexandre Antonelli, Director of Science at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, has made it his life's mission to protect it. He is a bio-geographer revealing how changes to the Earth's landscape, such as the formation of mountain ranges and rainforests, leads to the evolution of new species and causes plants, fungi and animals to move around the world.
His work is a masterclass in joined-up thinking, bringing together different fields of research by starting conversations between scientists who would rarely talk to one another. Together, they paint a more holistic picture of how our planet's biodiversity has developed in the hope of informing how we can protect it in the future.
Alex tells presenter Jim Al-Khalili about a life spent in the wild, beginning with his earliest memories of growing up in Brazil cataloguing life in the Atlantic Rainforest. That passion is still with him today. We've only scratched the surface of understanding what lives here on Earth, he says, more than 4,000 new species are found every year. Alex is passionate that we need to speed up the rate at which we document the richness of life, arguing if we don't identify what there is we can't protect it.
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