International Day of Biodiversity

The Unseen Crisis: Biodiversity Loss in the Age of Global Warming and Pollution

Imagine a world without birdsong, without vibrant wildflowers dotting the landscape, without majestic forests teeming with life. Sadly, this bleak possibility is becoming increasingly real as human activities continue to destroy biodiversity at an alarming rate.

Did you know that over 1 million plant and animal species are currently threatened with extinction? This staggering number comes from a 2019 UN report, which paints a dire picture of the state of nature. The rate of species extinction is already at least tens to hundreds of times higher than it has averaged over the past 10 million years due to human-driven activities.

And you know that according to a 2023 report by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), up to one million species face extinction, many within decades? This isn't just a number on a page. It signifies the unraveling of a complex web of life, with consequences that directly impact us all.

What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity, or the ‘diversity of life’ on Earth, is essential for the planet’s health and survival¹. It includes all the species ranging from plants to different microorganisms¹. No two individuals of the same species are exactly similar¹. For example, humans show a lot of diversity among themselves¹. Biodiversity holds ecological and economic significance. It provides us with nourishment, housing, fuel, clothing and several other resources¹. It also extracts monetary benefits through tourism¹. Therefore, it is very important to have a good knowledge of biodiversity for a sustainable livelihood¹.

The Current State of Biodiversity

The current state of biodiversity is alarming. In just over 40 years, wildlife populations showed a dramatic decline of 69% on average². The IPCC reports that around 20-30% of species could die out if global mean temperatures go up by 1.5-2.5 degrees². Yet the global average surface temperature has risen by roughly 1 degree Celsius². This data paints a clear picture of the current state of biodiversity and climate change².

The Impact of Global Warming and Pollution on Biodiversity

Climate change and pollution are playing an increasingly important role in the decline of biodiversity³. Climate change has altered marine, terrestrial, and freshwater ecosystems around the world³. It has caused the loss of local species, increased diseases, and driven mass mortality of plants and animals, resulting in the first climate-driven extinctions³.

Rising global temperatures, also known as ‘global warming’, is one of the most important aspects of climate change². It refers to the increasing greenhouse gases, like CO2 and methane, in the atmosphere, which trap the sun’s heat². This trapped heat is related—directly or indirectly—to widespread habitat loss on both land and in the sea².

In the oceans, CO2 concentrations are now higher than they have been in the past 800,000 years². As a result, our seas are getting warmer, and the oceans are becoming more acidic². These conditions are known to cause mass coral bleaching². To date, scientists have identified six coral bleaching events since 1998, most notably on the Great Barrier Reef². This is of concern since coral reefs are one of the most biodiverse and valuable ecosystems on Earth².

The Importance of Biodiversity

Biodiversity supports everything in nature that we need to survive: food, clean water, medicine, and shelter⁴. It is essential for the processes that support all life on Earth, including humans⁵. Without a wide range of animals, plants and microorganisms, we cannot have the healthy ecosystems that we rely on to provide us with the air we breathe and the food we eat⁵.

Pollinators such as birds, bees and other insects are estimated to be responsible for a third of the world’s crop production⁵. Without pollinators we would not have apples, cherries, blueberries, almonds and many other foods we eat⁵. Agriculture is also reliant upon invertebrates – they help to maintain the health of the soil crops grow in⁵.

Biodiversity: The Engine of Our Planet

Biodiversity is more than just a collection of exotic animals. It's the very foundation of a healthy planet, providing us with a multitude of services we often take for granted:

• Clean Air and Water: From the rainforests absorbing carbon dioxide to wetlands filtering pollutants, a diverse ecosystem keeps our air and water breathable and drinkable.
• Food Security: Pollinators like bees and butterflies ensure a vibrant food supply by transferring pollen between plants. Biodiversity also supports healthy fisheries and fertile agricultural land.
• Climate Regulation: Forests act as giant carbon sinks, mitigating the effects of climate change. Healthy ecosystems also help regulate floods and droughts.
• Medicine: Many life-saving drugs are derived from natural sources, like the rosy periwinkle plant used in cancer treatment. A vast array of undiscovered medicines could lie hidden within unexplored ecosystems.
• Economic Benefits: Tourism, recreation, and even the fashion industry rely heavily on the beauty and diversity of nature.

The Threats: A Perfect Storm

Despite its immense value, biodiversity is under siege from several human-induced threats:

• Habitat Loss: Deforestation, urbanization, and unsustainable agricultural practices are destroying natural habitats at an alarming rate.
• Climate Change: Rising temperatures, changing weather patterns, and ocean acidification disrupt ecological balance and threaten vulnerable species.
• Pollution: Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and plastic pollution contaminate ecosystems, harming wildlife and disrupting natural processes.
• Overexploitation: Overfishing, hunting, and unsustainable harvesting of natural resources are pushing many species towards extinction.
• Invasive Species: The introduction of non-native species can disrupt ecosystems, outcompete native wildlife, and spread diseases.

These threats don't operate in isolation. They create a complex web of problems, further accelerating biodiversity loss.

The Human Cost of Biodiversity Loss

The consequences of biodiversity loss extend beyond the natural world:

• Food Shortages: A decline in pollinators and the degradation of agricultural land can lead to food shortages and price hikes.
• Water Scarcity: Healthy ecosystems play a crucial role in water filtration and maintaining water cycles. Biodiversity loss can contribute to water scarcity and contamination.
• Increased Disease Outbreaks: The loss of biodiversity has been linked to the emergence of zoonotic diseases like COVID-19.
• Economic Disruption: Damage to ecosystems can cripple industries reliant on nature, such as tourism and fisheries.
• Loss of Cultural Connection: Many cultures have deep spiritual and economic ties to their environment. Biodiversity loss can disrupt these connections and traditional ways of life.

The Road to Recovery: Be Part of the Plan

The good news is, it's not too late. We can chart a new course towards a future where humans and nature thrive together. Here's how:

Individual Actions:

• Sustainable Consumption: Reduce your carbon footprint, choose sustainable products, and minimize waste.
• Support Sustainable Businesses: Seek out and support companies with responsible environmental practices.
• Reduce Your Meat Consumption: Animal agriculture contributes significantly to biodiversity loss. Opt for plant-based alternatives or sustainably sourced meat.
• Plant Native Trees and Plants: Provide habitat and food sources for native wildlife in your own backyard.
• Get Involved in Conservation Efforts: Volunteer with local organizations or donate to causes protecting biodiversity.

Global Solutions:

• Strengthen Environmental Policies: Governments need to implement stricter laws and regulations to protect ecosystems and promote sustainable practices.
• Invest in Sustainable Development: Funding innovations in clean energy, green infrastructure, and sustainable agriculture is crucial.
• Promote International Cooperation: Global challenges require a united front. International agreements and collaborations are essential for effective conservation.

The theme for the 2024 International Day for Biological Diversity is "Be Part of the Plan." This isn't just a slogan; it's a call to action. Each of us, from individuals to governments, has a role to play in reversing the tide on biodiversity loss. We can build a future where nature thrives, not just for our own sake, but for the generations to come.