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WWF report reveals alarming wildlife population decline

Wild animal populations have decreased by 73 percent since 1970, according to the WWF.

October 10, 2024 at 10:27 AM

Wildlife populations plunge 73% since 1970: WWF

A new WWF report reveals a staggering 73 percent drop in wildlife populations since 1970.

Wildlife populations face severe decline according to WWF report

A report published by WWF indicates that monitored animal populations have decreased by 73 percent in the last 50 years. This examination covers 35,000 populations of over 5,000 species, including mammals, birds, and fish. In regions rich in biodiversity like Latin America and the Caribbean, losses can reach as high as 95 percent due to factors tied closely to human activity. The report arrives just before a significant UN biodiversity summit set to start in Colombia later this month. Kirsten Schuijt from WWF International highlighted the urgent need for action, stating, "This is not just about wildlife, it's about the essential ecosystems that sustain human life."

Key Takeaways

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Wildlife populations have dropped by 73 percent since 1970.

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Biodiversity-rich regions face losses of up to 95 percent.

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Habitats are increasingly threatened by human activities and climate change.

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Restoration efforts show promise in some areas, but urgency is critical.

"The picture we are painting is incredibly concerning."

Kirsten Schuijt of WWF International emphasizes the seriousness of the wildlife decline.

"The changes could be irreversible, with devastating consequences for humanity."

Daudi Sumba warns of the critical nature of ecosystem crises in the report.

"We remain really confident of its robustness."

Andrew Terry defends the credibility of the WWF index against criticisms of bias.

The WWF report paints a grim picture of the state of global wildlife, highlighting that biodiversity is in critical condition. As populations drop due to human-related pressures, there’s an urgent need for concerted conservation efforts. While some species have seen population rebounds through dedicated efforts, the overall trend points toward potential irreversible damage to ecosystems. The emphasis on interconnected crises, such as climate change and habitat destruction, reflects a growing understanding that addressing one issue cannot be done without considering the others. Without immediate and global actions, the consequences could be dire.

Highlights

Wildlife populations have decreased by 73 percent since 1970.
This is not just about wildlife, it's about ecosystems that sustain us.
We have emptied the oceans of 40 percent of their biomass.
All of these agreements have checkpoints in 2030 that are in danger of being missed.