Report reveals disturbing trend among global wildlife populations: ‘I’m shocked’

While wildlife sightings are almost always awe-inspiring, they can soon turn into a whole new phenomenon. The Guardian states that wildlife populations worldwide have declined by an average of 73% since 1970, according to a new scientific assessment. reports.

What’s going on?

Biennial data Living Planet report A study by the World Wildlife Fund and the Zoological Society of London detailed the decline, with the sharpest average decline of 95% ever recorded in Latin America and the Caribbean.

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

To get these numbers, scientists examined population trends for more than 30,000 of 5,495 species of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles worldwide. While this report has become one of the leading indicators of the state of wildlife populations around the world, it has also come under criticism for potentially overestimating wildlife declines.

However, although some critics question the mathematical soundness of the index’s approach, they acknowledge that there are other indicators as well. IUCN Red Listshows similar trends.

Why is this decline important?

Species and their ecosystems are inextricably intertwined. The loss of even a single species can lead to a major event devastating waterfall from disasters. Multiply this by: loss or decline The extinction of thousands of species would have a huge impact on the planet and its inhabitants.

Species loss is mainly a result of human activity. The Guardian reports that the biggest reason for the decline in biodiversity is changes in land use. There is agriculture vanishing rainforestsand highways and other developments are huge habitat fragmentation.

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

“We are reaching points of no return globally and irreversibly impacting the planet’s life support systems,” said Susana Muhamad, COP16 president and Colombian environment minister. said Guard. “Deforestation, transformation of natural ecosystems, intensive land use and climate change“

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He mentioned such events. mass bleaching of coral reefsdeforestation, melting glaciers and changes to our vital water systems, “We must listen to the science and take action to prevent collapse.”

Mike Barrett, director of science and conservation at WWF-UK, said: “I’ve been trying to write these reports for 10 years and I’ve had such a hard time writing this. I’m shocked.”

What is being done against species extinction?

Environmentalists and scientists are working save species from extinction By taking action to protect habitats, lobbying for stronger legal protections, and breeding endangered species in captivity.

But individuals also need to play a role. Taking action to slow the overheating of our planet and stop habitat destruction is something everyone can do. Voting for candidates who will take climate action And talking to friends and family These are great places to start on these topics.

On a smaller level, buy product and eating foods that do not rely on deforestation or changing the way you get around There are also changes you can make in your daily life to reduce the demand on larger highways.

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