Biodiversity loss in all species and every ecosystem linked to humans – report

A recent study, synthesizing over 2,000 global studies, confirms that human activities are driving biodiversity loss across the planet. Researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology and the University of Zurich conducted the study, covering nearly 100,000 sites across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine habitats. The findings highlight a nearly 20% decrease in species diversity at human-impacted sites.

The study identifies five key drivers of biodiversity decline: habitat change, resource exploitation (such as hunting or fishing), climate change, invasive species, and pollution. Notably, the loss of biodiversity is especially severe among reptiles, amphibians, and mammals, which are more susceptible to extinction due to their smaller populations.

Researchers warn that bending the curve of biodiversity loss is one of the biggest challenges humanity faces, and that future conservation strategies must account for the full impact of human activities on biodiversity across ecosystems.

Read full original article “Biodiversity loss in all species and every ecosystem linked to humans – report” at The Guardian