68% gone
since Joni wrote Big
Yellow Taxi.
September 14th 2020.
The population sizes of a large cross-section of mammals, fish, birds, reptiles and amphibians have declined an average of 68% between 1970 and 2016, according to World Wildlife Fund’s latest Living Planet Report 2020, it's biannual assessment. Some areas were being affected more than others, with Latin America and the Caribbean having an stunning average decline of 94%.
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The report puts the blame squarely on human activity. The increases in population and therefore consumption, trade and urbanization since 1970 means we now use far more of Earth’s resources than can be naturally replenished. The impact on biodiversity is terrifying.
“This report reminds us that we destroy the planet at our peril—because it is our home. As humanity’s footprint expands into once-wild places, we’re devastating species populations. But we’re also exacerbating climate change and increasing the risk of zoonotic diseases,” said WWF CEO Carter Roberts in a statement.
The report measured vertebrate populations, which is different from the monitoring of threatened that we might be more used to. Thousands of species have been monitored, and this provides a much better picture of the overall ecosystem. Many seem to be almost dismissive of such facts, but we are not somehow separate of apart from it. it is these ecosystems that support human life.
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Freshwater biodiversity is declining much faster than that of oceans or forests. The 3,741 monitored populations in the Freshwater Living Planet Index have declined by an average of 84%, equivalent to 4% per year since 1970. Most of the declines are seen in fish, reptiles and amphibians.
The report states that the main cause of this loss is unprecedented changes in land-use, specifically the conversion of hitherto pristine habitats such as forest and grassland into agricultural systems. Climate change is exacerbating the situation, but is not yet the main driver. However the WWF anticipates it will become as important as the other causes over the next few decades - in other words, it's going to get worse.
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The report holds out some hope, stating that the trends could be flattened and even reversed with 'urgent and unprecedented actions'. These actions includes changing food production and consumption, tackling climate change, and investing in actions that truly conserve, protect, and restore nature.
The WWF also highlighted the critical importance of basing our economic systems on the premise that we have no choice but to reflect and nurture the 'natural capital' that supports our economic prosperity. To invest in biodiversity and tackle climate change is to invest in the future of humankind itself.
Despite the harrowing figures, the WWF seemed determined to strike a note of optimism – more for presentational and political reasons than honestly held belief, I suspect.
“While the trends are alarming, there is reason to remain optimistic,” said WWF Global Chief Scientist Rebecca Shaw. To my mind, 'alarming' is 10 percent – i.e. enough to get our attention and cause alarm. Over two thirds – that is more lost than remains - is terrifying.
“Young generations are becoming acutely aware of the link between planetary health and their own futures, and they are demanding action from our leaders. We must support them in their fight for a just and sustainable planet.” She said.
Let's hope there's enough left worth saving.
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