International Day for Biodiversity 2023 arrives amongst a wave of optimism. With the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at COP 15 in December, we now have an ambitious pathway to reach the global vision of a world living in harmony with nature by 2050.
But, what exactly is biodiversity and why is it threatened in the first place? Read along for brief answers to these important questions.
What is biodiversity?
According to the United Nations, biodiversity is the collective term for the variety of life on Earth in all its forms, from microscopic fungi to mega forests. It encompasses the plants, animals and microorganisms of our planet, as well as the genetic differences of each species and all our ecosystems (lakes, forests, deserts) and the interactions between their members (humans, animals, plants).
Although awareness of the importance of protecting our biodiversity has been growing in recent years, we still see constant threats to our species and ecosystems. And their destruction is directly linked to human activities.
What are the main threats to biodiversity?
There are five major threats to our biodiversity, which need to be controlled quickly in order not only to achieve the Global Biodiversity Framework’s goals for 2050, but to guarantee that life can continue to prosper on Earth.
Habitat loss or change: It’s the biggest threat to biodiversity. As people continue to expand their presence on the planet, with new roads, urban areas and farming land, they also destroy, modify or deteriorate the natural habitats of thousands of species that can’t survive without a home.
Invasive alien species: When a non-native or alien species is introduced (usually by people) into an ecosystem where it doesn’t belong, it can cause serious damage. Invasive alien species compete with and kill native species, spread disease and modify natural habitats, with sometimes severe environmental, economic and social consequences.
Climate change: Human activities like deforestation, overproduction and the burning of fossil fuels have accelerated global warming, which has radically impacted ecosystems and species and led to rising ocean levels, the loss of glaciers and coral reefs, and extreme climate conditions like droughts and storms.
Pollution: Pollution can cause changes in ecosystems and disease in many species. Industrial, farming, livestock and urban activities contribute significantly to air, water and soil pollution by introducing chemical substances in the environment that can seriously impact many species.
Overexploitation: This is when individuals in a certain population are extracted at a faster rate than they can reproduce. When this happens, the population diminishes, often until it becomes extinct. Illegal or excessive hunting and fishing, as well as deforestation and exotic animal trading all contribute to overexploitation.
What can we do about it?
Knowing how biodiversity is threatened by human activity helps us make better decisions on our day to day, whether that is recycling more and better, buying environmentally friendly products or reducing our red meat consumption. Awareness is the first step in taking definitive action.