How Is the Earth’s Biodiversity Changing?

The world’s human population has more than doubled since 1970, expanding from about 3.7 billion people to 7.6 billion people in 2018. However, during that same time period, the global populations of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles all went the other way, declining by about 60 percent, according to a 2016 estimate by the World Wildlife Fund. The rising human population, the WWF said, has alarming consequences for the planet's biodiversity, linked to pollution, climate change, and land clearing for farms and cities, among other causes.

A world with less wildlife:

  • “Wildlife is disappearing within our lifetimes at an unprecedented rate,” said Marco Lambertini, Director General of WWF International. “We are entering a new era in Earth’s history.”
  • Human dominance on Earth has ushered in the Anthropocene epoch -- a term derived from "anthropos," which is Greek for “human,” and "-cene,” which indicates a recent geological period.
  • Scientists have found some solace in the 2015 Paris Agreement to address climate change -- designed to protect tropical forests, slow the spread of deserts, and reverse ocean acidification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is biodiversity and why is it important?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, encompassing all species of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, as well as the ecosystems they form. It's crucial because it ensures natural sustainability for all life forms, provides ecosystem services like pollination and water purification, and offers a wealth of genetic materials that contribute to medical and scientific advancements. High biodiversity also enhances ecosystem resilience, helping to buffer against extreme events.

How has Earth's biodiversity changed in recent years?

Earth's biodiversity has been declining at an alarming rate. According to the World Wildlife Fund's Living Planet Report, global populations of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles have seen an average drop of 68% between 1970 and 2016. Habitat loss, climate change, pollution, overexploitation, and invasive species are major drivers of this decline, leading to an erosion of the natural world that could threaten our planet's health and human well-being.

What are the main causes of biodiversity loss?

The primary causes of biodiversity loss include habitat destruction, climate change, overexploitation of species, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species. Deforestation for agriculture, urban development, and logging are significant contributors to habitat loss. Climate change alters habitats and can lead to species migration and extinction. Overfishing, hunting, and poaching deplete species, while pollution affects air, water, and soil quality, further endangering wildlife.

Can we measure the rate of biodiversity loss?

Scientists measure biodiversity loss using various metrics, such as the Living Planet Index, which tracks population trends of vertebrate species. The Red List Index, maintained by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), assesses the extinction risk of species and shows a trend towards increasing numbers of species threatened with extinction. These tools help quantify the rate of loss and inform conservation efforts.

What are the potential consequences of declining biodiversity?

Declining biodiversity can lead to ecosystem collapse and the loss of ecosystem services, which are vital for human survival, such as clean water, pollination of crops, and disease regulation. It can also result in reduced food security and diminished natural defenses against natural disasters. Furthermore, loss of genetic diversity may limit the discovery of new medicines and reduce the resilience of ecosystems to environmental changes.

How can we help to protect and restore Earth's biodiversity?

Protecting and restoring Earth's biodiversity requires concerted global efforts. This includes establishing and enforcing protected areas, restoring degraded ecosystems, and implementing sustainable agricultural, forestry, and fishing practices. Reducing carbon emissions to combat climate change is also critical. Supporting conservation organizations and adopting environmentally friendly lifestyles, such as reducing waste and consumption, can contribute to preserving biodiversity.

More Info: Reuters

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