The climate crisis is wreaking havoc on the natural world, and a recent study using artificial intelligence has revealed a startling consequence: plants are altering their flowering times at an alarming rate. This groundbreaking research, which analyzed eight million digitized plant specimens over a century, found that flowering has shifted by an average of 2.5 days earlier or later per decade. Such a rapid change poses a significant threat to the intricate relationships between plants and their pollinators, potentially disrupting ecosystems and agricultural systems worldwide.
What makes this finding even more concerning is the fact that less than a fifth of plant species and a mere 0.6 percent of fungi have been assessed for extinction risk. With an estimated 100,000 plant species and two million fungi species yet to be discovered, the potential for widespread extinction is immense. As Alexandre Antonelli, Kew's executive director of science, notes, many newly described species face extinction from the moment they are discovered.
However, amidst these dire predictions, there is a glimmer of hope. The study highlights the transformative power of AI, digitisation, and other technologies in advancing conservation efforts. By converting preserved plant and fungi specimens into digital records, scientists can now access vast collections that were once hidden in cupboards and boxes. This has led to groundbreaking discoveries, such as the successful increase in Costa Rica's known fungal diversity by 20 percent through the combination of published records and digital collections.
The Kew science team's latest report, 'State of the World's Plants and Fungi', underscores the importance of these innovative approaches. It warns that threats to plant and fungi species are significantly underestimated and calls for urgent action to protect them. The report emphasizes the potential of AI and digitisation to boost knowledge, facilitate information sharing, and enhance conservation efforts globally.
The Kew project to digitise its entire herbarium and fungarium is a testament to the power of these technologies. By using high-resolution photography, the project has transformed 7.4 million specimens into digital records, freely accessible and searchable online. This has not only accelerated research but also unearthed historical insights from Kew's collections, including specimens gathered by Charles Darwin and First World War service personnel.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. By tracking changes in flowering and fruiting patterns, scientists can better understand the impact of climate change on plant species. This knowledge can be used to map species loss, safeguard protected areas, and enhance food security. Moreover, the study of 'dark matter of fungi' – producing high-quality genomes from very old fungal specimens – could lead to numerous new applications, from high-protein alternatives to meat and protecting crops from pathogens to discovering plastic-digesting fungi to combat pollution.
In conclusion, the climate crisis is having a profound impact on plant life, and the use of AI and digitisation is revolutionizing our ability to understand and protect these species. While the threats are significant, the potential for positive change through international cooperation and technological innovation is immense. It is imperative that we continue to invest in these technologies and work together to safeguard the future of our planet's biodiversity.
