When you hear about habitat destruction, invasive species, and extinction, what you’re hearing about is biodiversity loss. And we are facing an unprecedented loss of global biodiversity. As of October 2024, 46,337 species are reported to be at risk of extinction. IUCN Red List.
biodiversity
The word biodiversity is a combination of the following words: biology and diversity. Usually it means the number of species in a habitat. However, it can also describe genetic diversity within a species or ecological diversity within a geographic region. Biodiversity applies to systems of all scales, from a glass of seawater to a local watershed or the entire Earth’s biosphere. The term was coined by ecologist Raymond Dasman in his 1968 book.different kind of countryThe term biodiversity was not widely used until the 1980s, when people began to understand the importance of biodiversity.
The value of biodiversity
The diverse living things that have evolved around the world each have their own unique right to survival. However, biodiversity utilitarian values Both for humans and the ecosystem. According to insurance group Swiss Re, half of world GDP – $41.7 trillion – depends on a functioning ecosystem. In general, ecosystems with greater diversity have a greater ability to provide ecosystem services such as food, fuel, shelter, pollination, and pest control, and climate services such as temperature regulation, water purification, and nutrient cycling. Biodiversity is key Role in stability Changes in ecosystems over time. Genetically diverse populations are better can survive Disasters such as climate change. Species that have not yet been identified or studied have immense potential for additional benefits, including new medicines.
biodiversity hotspot
Major regions around the world have an astonishing concentration of species. These 36 were recognized biodiversity hotspot It occupies 2.5% of the earth’s surface, 35% of ecosystem services What fragile humanity depends on.
And perhaps because they are so biologically rich, they tend to host some of the densest human populations in the world. From home to surroundings 2 billion peoplethese regions, which include some of the world’s poorest regions, are also some of the world’s most vulnerable regions. Some hotspots have already lost 95% of their vegetation, but locals are not necessarily to blame. According to a recent study, over the past 12,000 years, Three quarters of terrestrial ecosystems It has been shaped by humans according to traditional land uses that promote biodiversity.
but, Hotspot BorneoFor example, international companies extract wood, coal, rubber, precious metals, and minerals from areas that were once covered by forests. Large-scale palm oil plantations have replaced more forests. These activities have destroyed 30% of Borneo’s forests in 40 years.
Convention on Biological Diversity
At the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversitysigned by 168 countries, including the United States. Every 10 years, governments agree new targets to protect biodiversity. Most recently, governments have pledged to halve the loss of natural habitats and expand nature reserves to 17% of the world’s land area by 2020. There are no targets I’m fulfilled. between Participating countriesonly about 5% came close, and about 25% of countries made no significant progress.
At the 2022 United Nations Conference on Biological Diversity (COP15) held in Montreal, the Parties Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) has ambitious goals for 2030, including protecting 30% of Earth’s land and oceans, reducing harmful subsidies by $500 billion a year, and halving food waste. Setting.
In October 2024, the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) was held in Cali, Colombia, to assess progress towards these goals. By then, 119 countries had submitted national biodiversity targets and 44 countries had aligned their national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs) with the GBF. Important achievements of COP16 include: Strengthening indigenous participation in biodiversity governancerecognizing their important role in conservation efforts. Participants also agreed to impose a 0.1% fee on large biotech companies that benefit from genetic resources and earmark half of the proceeds to support indigenous communities. But the meeting ended Lack of consensus on important issues It highlights persistent challenges in mobilizing adequate resources to achieve global biodiversity goals, including a comprehensive financial roadmap for biodiversity conservation.
biodiversity restoration
The early environmental movement focused on environmental conservation and aimed to protect ecosystems by eliminating human impact. This idea artificially separates humans from nature. Considering past environmental damage, maintaining healthy ecosystems alone is not enough to protect biodiversity. habitat restoration It is the process of restoring habitat and ecosystem function by restoring the land and water on which plants and animals depend. Millie Carr explains:wilder”, habitat restoration is not always sufficient to restore biodiversity. In some cases, the expensive and risky process of reintroduction may be necessary. keystone Animal species (often, but not always,charismatic giant animal”) are necessary to restore self-sustaining and functional ecosystems.
How can we protect biodiversity?
Improve habitat for insects and birds by eliminating pesticides from your garden, and create wildlife habitat in your backyard by replacing grass monocultures with clover lawns or other lawn alternatives. Work to protect bees in your area.
As a consumer, choosing to shop according to your values can make a difference on the other side of the world. Beef consumption directly and indirectly contributes to deforestation in Brazil, and palm oil plantations are destroying tropical forests around the world. Support local organic farmers and look for certifications like the Forest Stewardship Council or Rainforest Alliance for products like coffee that aren’t grown locally.
As a citizen, you elected representatives and responsible official We know that we expect the United States to fulfill its commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity. Remember to vote, especially in local elections that affect land use decisions. Find out what habitat restoration projects are underway near you and support them financially or as a volunteer. Local parks and green spaces are also benefiting from volunteer work parties removing invasive plants and installing native species.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on September 26, 2022 and updated in December 2024.
