Climate Change May Threaten One in Six Plant Species by 2100

Climate change is projected to shrink plant habitats and threaten thousands of species with extinction by the end of the century [1, 3, 5].

This loss of botanical diversity threatens the stability of global ecosystems and the familiar landscapes that sustain wildlife and human populations. As suitable habitat ranges diminish, the resulting species loss could trigger a cascade of ecological failures.

A 2026 study indicates that up to one in six plant species could be wiped out within 75 years ^[2]. The research highlights a critical risk to global biodiversity, noting that between seven% and 16% of global plant species are expected to lose more than 90% of their range by 2100 ^[2].

Researchers identified specific regions facing the highest risks. High plant extinction rates are projected for southern Europe, the western U.S., and southern Australia by 2100 ^[4]. These areas are particularly vulnerable as rising temperatures and shifting climate patterns reduce the areas where these plants can survive [1, 3, 4].

Tens of thousands of plant species may face extinction by the end of the century ^[5]. The scale of the threat suggests a fundamental shift in the Earth's vegetation patterns.

"Some of the plants that make familiar landscapes recognizable may not survive by century's end as climate change becomes an increasingly important driver of species loss," Marta Serafinko said ^[3].

The study authors said that the rapid pace of environmental change is outstripping the ability of many species to adapt or migrate to cooler regions ^[2]. This creates a precarious situation for plants with narrow niche requirements or limited dispersal capabilities.