Wildlife in decline by almost 70% since 1970, says report - BBC News

Summary

The Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) warns of an urgent need for global action to protect wildlife and biodiversity, following a report showing a 70% decline in wildlife populations since 1970. The report highlights the severe impact of habitat destruction and climate change, particularly in regions like the Amazon. WWF stresses that immediate measures from governments, businesses, and the public are crucial to reverse this trend. Without action, both wildlife and humanity face severe consequences. Global leaders are urged to prioritize nature conservation at upcoming international meetings.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Wildlife populations have fallen by nearly 70% since 1970, highlighting a dire need for global support to protect biodiversity.
• 🐆 The Amazon and other regions in Latin America have experienced the most significant decline, with a 94% decrease in wildlife populations over the past 50 years.
• 🐠 Freshwater species, including those in lakes and wetlands, have seen an 83% decline, making them some of the most affected by biodiversity loss.
• 📉 The report from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) warns that this drastic decline is due to habitat destruction, climate change, and human activity.
• 🌿 The UK is considered one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, with only half of its natural richness remaining.
• ⏳ The WWF emphasizes that urgent action is required from governments, businesses, and the public to reverse the destruction of biodiversity.
• 🌡️ Climate change exacerbates the threat to species worldwide, affecting habitats and contributing to the rapid decline of global wildlife populations.
• 🚨 The WWF calls for world leaders to act quickly, stating that failure to address biodiversity loss will hinder efforts to meet climate change targets, including the 1.5°C goal.
• 🌎 The upcoming global leaders' meeting in Montreal is a crucial opportunity to create a plan to halt biodiversity loss and initiate recovery.
• ⚠️ The WWF UK Chief Executive, Tanya Steele, warns that the loss of biodiversity affects not only the ecology but also global economies and society, urging leaders to move beyond words to tangible actions.

Q & A

What has the recent report from the Worldwide Fund for Nature revealed about wildlife populations?

The report shows that wildlife populations have fallen by nearly 70% since 1970.

What are the primary reasons for the decline in wildlife populations according to the report?

The main causes are the destruction of natural habitats and climate change.

Which region has experienced the most significant decline in wildlife populations?

Latin America, particularly the Amazon, has seen the most significant decline, with wildlife populations falling by 94% over the past 50 years.

What specific ecosystems are most impacted according to the report?

Freshwater ecosystems, including lakes and wetlands, have seen the most dramatic decline, with species populations falling by 83% on average.

Why does the Worldwide Fund for Nature emphasize immediate action?

The WWF stresses that urgent action is needed to reverse the destruction of biodiversity and prevent further species extinction. Without intervention, both ecosystems and human populations are at risk.

How does the decline in wildlife populations compare to human population loss, as explained by Tanya Steele?

Tanya Steele compares it to wiping out the entire populations of China, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas combined.

Has there been sufficient action from world leaders to address biodiversity loss, according to the WWF?

No, according to Tanya Steele, world leaders have been largely 'missing in action,' and more decisive efforts are needed to halt biodiversity loss.

What upcoming event could be critical for addressing biodiversity loss?

A global leaders' meeting in Montreal in December will focus on forming a new action plan to halt biodiversity loss and begin recovery.

What additional challenges, besides biodiversity loss, are emphasized by the WWF?

The WWF highlights climate change as another major challenge, stating that addressing biodiversity loss is essential to reaching the global target of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Why is biodiversity loss not just an environmental issue but also an economic one?

The loss of biodiversity affects ecosystems that are crucial for human societies and economies. This includes impacts on supply chains, economies, and the way we live and consume resources.