Overview: a year of extremes for the natural world
2025 delivered a stark reminder that climate extremes can push ecosystems to the brink. An annual audit of flora and fauna has concluded that heat, drought, and fire cycles dominated landscapes from forest to coastal regions, stressing wildlife, plants, and habitats in ways not seen for many years. Bookended by powerful storms named Éowyn and Bram, the UK experienced a sun-drenched spring followed by volatile summer conditions that rippled across the globe.
Heat and drought: pressure on water, food, and habitat
Across multiple continents, prolonged heatwaves reduced soil moisture, dehydrated wetlands, and curtailed plant growth. For many species, water became scarcer just as food sources waned. In some regions, plants that usually bloom with reliable rainfall instead produced stunted leaves or failed to set seed, threatening insects and birds that depend on them seasonally. The audit highlights a cascading effect: drought stresses lead to reduced prey for predators, while hotter microclimates alter disease dynamics and expand the range of invasive species.
Impact on wildlife
Birds that rely on predictable insect pops faced mismatches in timing, while amphibians contended with shrinking pools that concentrate toxins and amplify predation risk. Large mammals navigated longer movements to find water, increasing energy expenditure and reducing reproductive success. The report notes pockets of resilience where species adapted behaviors, such as altered foraging times or microhabitat shifts, but the overall trend signals heightened risk for vulnerable populations.
Fire regimes intensify: landscapes under burn pressure
Fire activity rose in many regions due to drier fuels and heat-driven wind patterns. Fire seasons started earlier and stretched longer, challenging fire management systems and testing the endurance of nearby ecosystems. Burned areas often recover slowly, and the audit records shifts in post-fire vegetation that can affect soil stability, carbon storage, and wildlife corridors. In some cases, heat-primed forests experienced more intense fires because deadwood and stressed trees provided ample fuel, underscoring the need for proactive restoration and fuel-management strategies.
Storms as bookends: Éowyn and Bram
The UK’s weather narrative for 2025 framed extremes with two significant storms, Éowyn and Bram. These system-driven events delivered heavy rainfall in some places while leaving others unusually dry, illustrating how interconnected atmospheric patterns can produce highly variable regional outcomes. The storms are also a reminder that even in a year dominated by drought and heat, heavy precipitation events still occur and influence flood risk, soil erosion, and habitat quality.
What 2025 means for conservation and policy
Conservation planning now hinges on flexible strategies that account for shifting baselines. The audit argues for enhanced monitoring networks, including remote sensing and community science, to capture real-time data on drought intensity, fire risk, and wildlife responses. Protecting habitat connectivity becomes even more critical to help species move in response to a changing climate. Restoration efforts—from wetland revival to reforestation with climate-resilient species—are essential to buffer ecosystems against future extremes.
Looking ahead: balancing resilience with urgent action
Extreme weather is not a distant threat but a present pressure on biodiversity and landscapes. The 2025 audit underscores the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supporting adaptive land management, and investing in science-informed decision-making. By sharing data, aligning conservation goals with climate projections, and engaging local communities, we can bolster resilience and help nature weather the next set of extremes.
