Scientists warning on the ecological effects of radioactive leaks on ecosystems
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Date
Authors
Bonacic, Cristian
Medellin, Rodrigo A.
Ripple, William
Sukumar, Raman
Ganswindt, Andre
Padua, Suzana M.
Padua, Claudio
Pearl, Mary C.
Aguirre, Luis F.
Valdes, Lourdes Mugica
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Frontiers Media
Abstract
A nuclear leakage or tactical nuclear weapon use in a limited war could cause
immense and long-lasting ecological consequences beyond the direct site
of exposure. We call upon all scientists to communicate the importance
of the environmental impacts of such an event to all life forms on Earth,
including humankind. Changes to ecosystem structure and functioning and
species extinctions would alter the biosphere for an unknown time frame.
Radiation could trigger cascade effects in marine, atmospheric and terrestrial
ecosystems of a magnitude far beyond human capabilities for mitigation
or adaptation. Even a “tactical nuclear war” could alter planet Earth’s living
boundaries, ending the current Anthropocene era.
Description
Keywords
Tactical bomb, Radiation, Pollution, Nuclear war, Biodiversity loss, Ecosystem services, Species extinction, SDG-15: Life on land
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG-15:Life on land
Citation
Bonacic, C., Medellin, R.A., Ripple, W., Sukumar, R., Ganswindt, A., Padua, S.M., Padua, C., Pearl ,M.C., Aguirre, L.F., Valdés, L.M., Buchori, D., Innes, J.L., Ibarra, J.T., Rozzi, R. & Aguirre, A.A. (2023) Scientists warning on the ecological effects of radioactive leaks on ecosystems. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 10:1099162.
DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.1099162.