Trend Unprecedented global biodiversity loss

Summary

The report finds that global biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented pace and ranks this among the largest crises now facing humanity and the planet. Efforts to halt the decline have so far fallen short, and the loss of natural resources is eroding the foundations of the world economy, food security and health. Much of the loss stems from land use, shrinking natural areas, pollution and climate change, while structural causes such as inequality, economic systems and the human view of nature also play a part. Climate change and biodiversity loss worsen each other, and climate change together with international traffic is increasing invasive alien species, a growing and costly threat. The report explains that vulnerable societies are often hit hardest by the loss of biodiversity.