Overview #
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth — from genes and species to entire ecosystems. Biodiversity loss occurs when species decline or go extinct, ecosystems degrade, and genetic diversity erodes. This crisis undermines the planet’s resilience, threatening food security, water systems, livelihoods, and cultural traditions.
Scientists warn we are in the midst of the sixth mass extinction, driven largely by human activity. Unlike past extinctions caused by natural events, today’s loss is accelerating because of industrialization, deforestation, pollution, and climate change.
Causes #
Habitat Destruction #
- Expansion of agriculture, logging, mining, and urbanization has fragmented or destroyed habitats.
- Wetlands, forests, and coral reefs are among the most severely impacted ecosystems.
Overexploitation #
- Overfishing, poaching, and unsustainable hunting reduce populations faster than they can recover.
Pollution #
- Chemicals, plastics, and industrial waste harm species directly or disrupt ecosystems.
Climate Change #
- Rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns alter habitats and migration patterns.
- Coral bleaching, species range shifts, and altered seasonal cycles are key examples.
Invasive Species #
- Non-native species introduced by humans outcompete or prey on local species, destabilizing ecosystems.
Historical Trends #
- Since 1970, global wildlife populations have declined by ~69%, according to WWF’s Living Planet Report.
- Over 1 million species are at risk of extinction in coming decades (IPBES, 2019).
- Extinction rates are estimated to be 100–1,000 times higher than natural background levels.
Impacts #
Ecosystem Services #
Biodiversity underpins essential services:
- Food security (pollination, fisheries, crop diversity).
- Water regulation (wetlands filtering and storing water).
- Climate regulation (forests absorbing carbon).
Human Wellbeing #
- Traditional knowledge and cultures are tied to biodiversity.
- Loss of medicinal plants limits health innovations.
- Communities dependent on ecosystems face economic hardship.
Conservation & Protection Strategies #
- Protected areas: National parks, marine reserves, Indigenous-managed lands.
- International agreements: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), CITES.
- Community-led initiatives: Local stewardship, Indigenous land rights, rewilding projects.
- Sustainable practices: Agroecology, regenerative farming, eco-tourism.
Global Agreements #
- Convention on Biological Diversity (1992): Framework for conserving biodiversity.
- Aichi Biodiversity Targets (2010–2020): Aimed to reduce biodiversity loss, with mixed results.
- Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022): New targets, including protecting 30% of land and sea by 2030.
Case Studies #
- Costa Rica: Doubling forest cover through national policy and eco-tourism.
- Yellowstone National Park (USA): Wolf reintroduction restored ecological balance.
- Great Barrier Reef (Australia): Coral bleaching highlights the urgency of conservation.
Further Reading #
- IPBES Global Assessment Report (2019).
- WWF Living Planet Report.
- Books: Half-Earth (E.O. Wilson), Wilding (Isabella Tree).
