Report reveals disturbing trend in global wildlife populations: ‘I was shocked’

While wildlife sightings are almost always awe-inspiring, they may soon become downright novel. Global wildlife populations have fallen by an average of 73% since 1970, according to a new scientific analysis, writes The Guardian. reports.

What’s happening?

Details of the biennial Living Planet Report by the World Wildlife Fund and the Zoological Society of London has detailed the decline, with the steepest average decline of 95% recorded in Latin America and the Caribbean, the publication details show.

These regions were followed by Africa at 76%, Asia and the Pacific at 60%, and Europe and North America with relatively lower declines of 35% and 39%.

To obtain these figures, scientists studied more than 30,000 population trends worldwide of 5,495 species of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles. While this report has become one of the leading indicators of the state of wildlife populations around the world, it has also been criticized for potentially overestimating wildlife declines.

However, while some critics question the mathematical soundness of the index approach, they recognize that other indicators, including the IUCN Red Listshow similar trends.

Why is this decline important?

Species and their ecosystems are inextricably linked. The loss of even one species can lead to… devastating waterfall of disasters. Multiply that by the loss or deterioration of thousands of species, and the effect on the planet and everything on it would be enormous.

The loss of species is mainly the result of human actions. The Guardian reports that land use changes were the biggest cause of biodiversity decline. Agriculture has decimated rainforestsand highways and other developments have led tremendously habitat fragmentation.

As these and other activities and the impacts of rising global temperatures increase, scientists warn that species loss could accelerate.

“Globally, we are reaching a point of no return and are having an irreversible impact on the planet’s life support systems,” said Susana Muhamad, President of COP16 and Colombia’s Minister of the Environment. told The Guardian. ‘We see the effects of deforestation and the transformation of natural ecosystems, intensive land use and… climate change.”

Do you think America is protecting its natural beauty well?

Certainly

Only in some areas

No way

I’m not sure

Click on your choice to see the results and give your opinion

She mentioned events like the mass bleaching of coral reefsdeforestation, melting ice caps and changes to our vital water systems, which says: “We must listen to the science and take action to prevent collapse.”

Mike Barrett, director of science and conservation at WWF-UK, said: “I have been involved in writing these reports for ten years and writing them has been difficult. I was shocked.”

What is being done about species loss?

Conservationists and scientists are working on it save species from extinction by taking actions to protect their habitats, lobbying for stronger legal protections, and breeding nearly extinct species in captivity.

But individuals also have a role to play. Taking action to slow the overheating of our planet and stop habitat destruction are things everyone can do. Vote for candidates who take climate action And talking to friends and family on these issues are great places to start.

On a smaller level, buy products and eating food that does not rely on deforestation or change the way you move reducing the demand for larger highways are also changes you can make in your daily life.

Join our free newsletter for good news And useful tipsand don’t miss it this nice list of simple ways to help yourself and help the planet at the same time.