Wildlife populations have decreased by over 70% in the last 50 years

Wildlife populations

The latest Living Planet Report 2024, published by WWF, paints an alarming picture of global environmental degradation. Over the past five decades, wildlife populations have declined by an average of 73%. The main causes of this phenomenon are human activities, including pollution, climate change, and the destruction of natural habitats. Aquatic ecosystems, which play a crucial role in maintaining the Earth’s biological balance, are particularly threatened.

Study methodology

The WWF report is based on the Living Planet Index (LPI), which monitors the numbers of more than 32,000 populations representing over 5,200 species worldwide. Scientists used a variety of data sources in their work, including field monitoring, satellite images, and genetic analyses. Human-related factors such as intensified agriculture, overexploitation of natural resources, pollution, and climate change were also considered. This study provides a reliable picture of the scale and causes of natural environment degradation.

Wildlife populations have declined on all continents

One of the key findings of the report is that tropical regions, particularly Latin America and Africa, have suffered the most. In Latin America, wildlife populations have decreased by as much as 95%, mainly due to deforestation in the Amazon. This region, known for its exceptional biodiversity, is threatened by agricultural development and illegal logging, pushing many species to the brink of extinction.

In Africa, key issues include poaching, deforestation, and climate change, which threaten iconic wildlife such as elephants and rhinos, which are losing their natural habitats. In Asia, intense deforestation and the expansion of palm oil plantations are destroying the habitats of species such as orangutans, tigers, and Asian elephants. In Europe, although the situation is less dramatic, intensive agriculture and urbanization are causing a decline in farmland bird populations. In North America, ecosystems are suffering from habitat fragmentation, drought, and fires, particularly in the western regions, leading to population declines in water-dependent species.

Critical situation in aquatic ecosystems

The most dramatic changes, however, are occurring in aquatic ecosystems. Since 1970, freshwater animal populations have decreased by 85%, representing the largest percentage decline among all ecosystems. The main causes include excessive water extraction, chemical pollution, urbanization, and dam construction, which disrupt natural river flows.

In Africa, the Niger River, whose drying is becoming increasingly apparent, is home to hippos and crocodiles that cannot survive without it. In Asia, the Mekong River, crucial for regional biodiversity, is heavily exploited for hydroelectric power, disrupting fish migration and leading to population declines in many species, including the giant Mekong catfish, now on the brink of extinction.

Impact of climate change

Climate change is intensifying the biodiversity crisis. Rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events are making it difficult for many species to adapt. Polar regions are particularly at risk, where ice-dependent animals such as polar bears and seals are losing their habitats due to melting sea ice.

The report emphasizes that climate change threatens not only wildlife but also people. As ecosystems collapse, the services they provide — such as clean water, food security, and carbon sequestration — are at risk, which could endanger millions of people.

Economic consequences of biodiversity loss

The Living Planet Report 2024 also highlights the economic consequences of biodiversity loss. Ecosystems provide essential services worth approximately $125 trillion annually. The degradation of these ecosystems increases the costs of restoring or replacing lost services. The report predicts that by 2050, ecosystem degradation could reduce global GDP by 10%.

Biodiversity is crucial for sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and tourism. The collapse of ecosystems could lead to the extinction of species essential for food and medicine production, potentially exacerbating global economic and social inequalities.

Urgent call to action

The WWF report not only presents alarming statistics but also suggests strategies that could help reverse this trend. It calls for transformative actions across many sectors to halt and then restore biodiversity loss. A key goal is to protect and restore 30% of the Earth’s land and marine areas by 2030, as part of the Global Biodiversity Framework. Achieving this ambitious goal will require international cooperation and significant financial investments.

The report also promotes nature-based solutions, such as reforestation, wetland restoration, and sustainable agriculture, which benefit both the environment and society.

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