Biodiversity Crisis: UN Report Warns of 1 Million Species on Brink of Extinction

Strategic Insights -

Every day, billions of people rely on wild flora and fauna to meet their basic needs, from food and medicine to energy. However, a new United Nations-backed report reveals that overexploitation, climate change, pollution, and deforestation are pushing over 1 million species towards extinction. The report emphasizes the importance of sustainable use of nature, warning that unless we act, the Earth may lose 12% of its wild tree species, over 1,000 wild mammal species, and almost 450 species of sharks and rays.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) report warns of over 1 million species on the brink of extinction due to human activities such as overexploitation, climate change, pollution, and deforestation.
  • The report highlights the significance of sustainable use of nature, with humans relying on approximately 50,000 wild species for food, medicine, and income, supporting the livelihoods of one in five people globally (approximately 1.58 billion).
  • The report emphasizes the crucial role of Indigenous and local peoples in making sustainable use of wild species and recommends securing tenure rights for these communities to protect their lands and natural resources.
  • Indigenous peoples occupy approximately 38,000,000 square kilometers (14,665,720 sq mi) of land in 87 countries, equivalent to about 40% of terrestrial conserved areas.
  • The report highlights growing problems in the Amazon region, including water contamination from mercury used in illegal mining and oil spillages, as well as violence against those who oppose these practices.
  • Marla R. Emery, report co-chair, stresses the importance of sustainable use of wild species for the well-being of people and the planet, noting that when uses become unsustainable, it jeopardizes species, ecosystems, and human communities.

Statistics:

  • 1 million species on the brink of extinction due to human activities.
  • 12% of wild tree species at risk of extinction.
  • Over 1,000 wild mammal species at risk.
  • Almost 450 species of sharks and rays threatened.
  • 50,000 wild species used by humans for food, medicine, and income.
  • 1 in 5 people globally (approximately 1.58 billion) rely on wild species for food and income.
  • 38,000,000 square kilometers (14,665,720 sq mi) of land occupied by Indigenous peoples in 87 countries.
  • 40% of terrestrial conserved areas controlled by Indigenous peoples.

Sources:

  • "Biodiversity crisis: 1 million species on brink of extinction, UN report warns" by Fabiano Maisonnave, The Associated Press.
  • Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) report.