Looking at statistics from the latest World Wildlife Fund report
With our unbridled overconsumption of resources, it is no surprise that the human species is having unprecedented negative impacts on the environment. These impacts are set to make our planet far less hospitable and productive, putting wildlife and humanity alike at risk.
Biodiversity is directly linked to the health of the ecosystems that provide services essential to sustain life and now, the variety of life on Earth is falling at unprecedented rates.
This year’s World Wildlife Fund Living Planet Report paints very grim images for our planet’s biodiversity. From 1970 to 2012, vertebrate populations have decreased by a whopping 58 per cent. The species in freshwater ecosystems have been hit the hardest, with an 81 per cent average decline between 1970 and 2012.
The report also predicts that 67 per cent of animal populations may disappear by 2020.
There are various intersecting reasons for such unprecedented losses. The rise of humanity as the planet’s dominant species has ushered in a new era.
Habitat loss and degradation due to land use for agriculture and logging is one major factor in the extinction of many species. In addition, species are being poached or overexploited by unsustainable fishing and hunting practices.
Pollution from industrial processes and everyday consumption is also a major contributor. Climate change, caused in part by the anthropogenic burning of fossil fuels for energy production and unsustainable agricultural practices, is decimating wildlife populations.
Perhaps the most depressing part of this situation is the apathy that we exhibit towards the loss of wildlife despite being a primary cause of such destruction. Humanity continues to regard itself as separate from the natural environment, yet we are as dependent on it as ever.
Instead of tweaking our habits to prevent the destruction of the vital systems and processes that support our basic needs, we choose to overstimulate ourselves and indulge in environmentally and socially expensive goods and services. We prioritize luxury over the general well-being of our species and many others.
In a way, it’s understandable. To make better decisions, we need to think of all the things we’re doing wrong and all the reasons why we’re doomed—and no one wants to live in a constant state of anxiety and fear.
But natural systems are starting to fall apart, taking human security with them. We must take action to preserve Earth’s ability to provide for our needs. Resource conflicts could lead to severe social unrest, which would be a much bigger pain than eating less meat or taking public transit.
Similar to how the loss of the most seemingly insignificant of species can have a substantial impact on an ecosystem, small changes in our everyday behaviour will make a difference for the Earth.
Photo by Mariah Bridgeman.