The latest Global Biodiversity Report from the UN’s Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services warns that human activity such as overfishing, pollution and deforestation has led to the acceleration of species extinction at a rate 10 to 100 times higher than the natural rate over the past 10 million years. Of an estimated 8 million species, 1 million are now threatened with extinction. Human activity has significantly impacted 75% of the Earth’s land and 66% of marine environments. Despite a raft of potential solutions, the report highlights the need for transformative change in social, economic and political systems to achieve sustainability and equity.

Global Biodiversity Report: Species Loss Accelerating

The latest Global Biodiversity Report, released by the United Nations (UN) Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), reveals that the world’s species loss is accelerating at an alarming rate due to human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and overfishing.

Key Findings of the Report

• The rate of species extinction is 10 to 100 times higher than the natural rate over the past 10 million years.
• One million species are now threatened with extinction, many within decades.
• 75% of the land on Earth and 66% of the marine environment have been significantly affected by humans.
• Climate change is exacerbating the biodiversity crisis, and the window for effective action is rapidly closing.

Impact of the Species Loss

The report highlights the critical role that biodiversity plays in ecosystem functioning, human well-being, and economic development. Losing species means losing the benefits they provide to us, such as pollination, pest control, nutrient cycling, medicine, and recreation. The lack of biodiversity can lead to negative consequences for our health, livelihoods, and cultural heritage. For example, the decline in insect populations could result in lower crop yields and food insecurity.

Challenges and Solutions

The report identifies the main drivers of biodiversity loss and recommends a range of policy options and actions for addressing the problem. However, implementing these solutions requires overcoming significant barriers, such as political will, economic incentives, and social values. The report calls for transformative change in our economic, social, and political systems to achieve sustainability and equity.

FAQs

1. What is biodiversity?

   Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms in a given ecosystem, including their genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. It is essential for the functioning of ecosystems and the well-being of human societies.

2. What are the causes of the species loss?

   The main drivers of species loss are habitat destruction and degradation, climate change, overuse of natural resources, pollution, and invasion of non-native species. These factors are all linked to human activities such as land use change, intensive agriculture, urbanization, and transportation.

3. How does the species loss affect us?

   The loss of species can have direct and indirect impacts on human well-being, such as food security, water quality, air quality, health, cultural identity, and recreation. Biodiversity loss also has economic implications, such as declining industries such as fishing and tourism.

4. What can we do to protect biodiversity?

   We can take individual actions, such as reducing our carbon footprint, eating sustainable food, and avoiding purchases of products that harm the environment. We can also support policies that protect biodiversity, such as protected areas, sustainable agriculture, and green energy. Finally, we can raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity and the need for action.