Why we need to fear the loss of biodiversity as much as climate change | DW News

Summary

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for immediate action to tackle biodiversity loss, highlighting humanity’s role in mass extinction. At the opening of a biodiversity summit in Montreal, Guterres emphasized that deforestation, pollution, and climate change threaten ecosystems and human survival. With one million species at risk, experts warn that urgent measures are needed, including protecting 30% of the planet’s land and seas by 2030. Developing nations, rich in biodiversity but lacking resources, call for financial support from wealthier countries. The summit aims to address these challenges and set policies to safeguard our planet’s future.

Takeaways

• 😀 U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres urges governments to stop the 'orgy of destruction' threatening biodiversity.
• 😀 Guterres warns that humanity has become a weapon of mass extinction, stressing the need for immediate change.
• 😀 Human activities such as poaching, deforestation, land use changes, and pollution are pushing over 1 million species to the brink of extinction.
• 😀 Biodiversity is crucial for human survival, providing food, water, carbon sequestration, and medicine (70% of cancer drugs come from nature).
• 😀 The U.N. biodiversity summit aims to protect 30% of the planet's land and sea by 2030 to preserve ecosystems and human prosperity.
• 😀 Despite global efforts, past biodiversity goals have not been fully implemented, highlighting the need for more urgent and tangible action.
• 😀 Developing countries, such as Indonesia, India, Brazil, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, call for financial support from wealthier nations for conservation efforts.
• 😀 Scientists argue that biodiversity loss has direct economic consequences, such as rising food prices when pollinators like bees decline.
• 😀 Ecosystem collapse due to biodiversity loss could lead to wider societal impacts, including more frequent pandemics and food system disruptions.
• 😀 The collapse of industries reliant on biodiversity, such as chocolate, emphasizes the far-reaching economic effects of environmental degradation.

Q & A

What is the main message from U.N. Secretary General Antonio Gutierrez at the biodiversity summit in Montreal?

U.N. Secretary General Antonio Gutierrez urged governments to end what he calls an 'orgy of destruction' and warned that humanity has become a 'weapon of mass extinction,' stressing that immediate changes are needed to protect biodiversity.

Why is the biodiversity summit in Montreal being described as a 'final chance' to save species and ecosystems?

Experts refer to the summit as a 'final chance' because about 1 million species are at risk of extinction due to human activity, and urgent action is required to protect the planet's ecosystems and prevent irreversible damage.

What are some of the human activities threatening biodiversity?

Human activities such as deforestation, changes in land use, the climate crisis, and pollution are major threats to biodiversity, contributing to the extinction of species and the degradation of ecosystems.

How does the loss of biodiversity impact human welfare?

Biodiversity loss threatens human welfare by compromising essential resources such as food, water, medicine, and carbon sequestration. For example, 70% of cancer drugs come from biodiversity, and pollinators are crucial for food production.

What is the target set by the UN biodiversity conference for 2030, and why is it important?

The target is to protect 30% of the planet's land and sea by 2030. This goal is crucial to prevent the collapse of ecosystems and ensure the survival of biodiversity, which is vital for human prosperity.

What is the current state of global biodiversity?

Currently, 97% of global biodiversity is degraded as a result of human actions, signaling a significant need for urgent measures to protect the environment and restore balance.

Why are developing countries like Indonesia, India, Brazil, and South Africa seeking financial support for conservation efforts?

These countries, which are rich in biodiversity, argue that they lack the necessary resources to expand conservation efforts. They are calling for financial support from wealthier nations to help fund biodiversity protection.

What are some of the policies being discussed at the conference to protect biodiversity?

Policies being discussed include protecting 30% of the land and sea, reducing environmentally destructive subsidies, and requiring companies to disclose their impact on nature.

How does biodiversity loss directly impact food prices and ecosystems?

Biodiversity loss, particularly the decline of pollinators, directly impacts food production. As pollinators such as bees and birds die, food prices rise, and ecosystems face greater instability, leading to potential collapses that could disrupt essential services like food and water supply.

What is the connection between biodiversity loss and the risk of pandemics?

Biodiversity loss, particularly the destruction of natural habitats, increases the likelihood of pandemics by causing humans to encroach on previously untouched lands, leading to more frequent interactions with wildlife that may harbor diseases.