Scientists warning on the ecological effects of radioactive leaks on ecosystems
Bonacic, Cristian
Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile
Medellin, Rodrigo A. A.
Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico
Ripple, William
Oregon State University
Sukumar, Raman
Indian Institute of Science (IISC) - Bangalore
Ganswindt, Andre
University of Pretoria
Padua, Suzana A. M.
Instituto de Pesquisas Ecologicas
Padua, Claudio
Instituto de Pesquisas Ecologicas
Pearl, Mary C. C.
Stanford University
Aguirre, Luis F. F.
Universidad Mayor de San Simon
Valdes, Lourdes Mugica
Universidad de la Habana
Buchori, Damayanti
Bogor Agricultural University
Innes, John L. L.
University of British Columbia
Aguirre, A. Alonso
Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile
Journal
Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution
ISSN
2296-701X
Open Access
gold
Volume
10
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.
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