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Biodiversity

Is our biodiversity in good shape?

Biodiversity loss, often overshadowed by the immediate threats of climate change, poses a massive threat to humans.

Habitat destruction and climate change are driving biodiversity loss, threatening countless species across both land and oceans : Michael Joiner, 360info CC BY 4.0 Habitat destruction and climate change are driving biodiversity loss, threatening countless species across both land and oceans : Michael Joiner, 360info CC BY 4.0

Biodiversity loss, often overshadowed by the immediate threats of climate change, poses a massive threat to humans.

Countless species are losing their homes due to human development. This habitat destruction remains the most pressing threat to our biodiversity, which refers to all types of life from plants, animals and bacteria to fungi.

However, climate change poses a looming threat. Rising temperatures are already causing widespread deaths and even pushing some species to extinction.

According to a 2022 Living Planet Report, two-thirds of wildlife populations worldwide have plummeted by an average of 69 percent since 1970. This decline is particularly acute in Latin America and the Caribbean, where populations have dwindled by 94 percent.

Innovative approaches are emerging that offer a chance to turn the tide. One is integrating nature into urban development. Cities are increasingly embracing green spaces, from improved air quality and mental well-being to creating vital habitats for urban wildlife.

Another involves protecting existing ecosystems. Researchers are unlocking the secrets of remarkably resilient coral reefs in the Kimberley region, Western Australia, potentially offering valuable insights into coral conservation.

Technology is also playing a role in conservation efforts. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are being used to create immersive experiences that foster a deeper understanding on biodiversity management.

The World Biodiversity Forum, which concludes on June 21 in Switzerland, has urged for urgent and transformative action to halt and reverse biodiversity loss through fostering connections and identifying opportunities and challenges to better inform policies and actions.

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