The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) recently unveiled a defining UN report concerning species extinction. An alarming conclusion of the report is that approximately 1 million out of the estimated 8 million plant and animal species existing on our planet could disappear within a few decades.
Underlying Significance of the Report
This assessment presents itself as the most precise and comprehensive review to date regarding the destruction humans are precipitating on the Earth. A stark warning is raised – nature is degenerating at unparalleled rates, and the ensuing changes will put humanity in jeopardy. It highlights a multitude of risks, spanning from the disappearance of insects critical for pollinating food crops, the annihilation of coral reefs that underpin fish populations integral to coastal communities, to the loss of medicinal plants.
Impacts on Native Species and Global Economy
The decline of indigenous species in major land-based habitats has been recorded at a minimum of 20%, mostly since 1900. The report underscores that these environmental crises pose threats not only ecologically but economically too – eroding the basis of economies, livelihoods, food security, health and the quality of life worldwide.
Key Global Threats and Degradation of Ocean Ecosystems
The global threats leading to this situation are manifold: human exploitation of land and sea resources, climatic changes, pollution, and invasive species. As ocean temperatures approach 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, oceanic ecosystems continue to degrade. Warming and acidifying oceans are triggering losses of coral reefs, which may result in a collapse in commercial and indigenous fisheries.
Report’s Notable Findings and Damages Caused by Human Activities
The report presents several notable findings, affirming that 75% of the land environment and 66% of the marine environment have been impacted by human activities. Loss of pollinators can risk up to $577 billion in annual global crops. The exponential rise of plastic pollution since 1980 and the dumping of 300-400 million tonnes of industrial waste into water systems signify humans’ considerable contribution to environmental issues.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| % of land environment impacted | 75% |
| % of marine environment impacted | 66% |
| Annual global crops at risk from pollinator loss ($ Billion) | $577 |
| Plastic pollution increase since 1980 | Tenfold |
| Industrial waste dumped into water systems (Million Tons) | 300-400 |
Biodiversity: Our Life-Supporting ‘Safety Net’
Biodiversity and nature’s contributions are humanity’s most critical life-supporting ‘safety net.’ But this safety net is stretched precariously close to breaking point. As humanity’s resource demands – including food, energy, housing, and more – grow incessantly, it also undermines its food security and long-term prospects.
IPBES Objective and The Windshield Effect
Founded in 2012 by member States, The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is an independent intergovernmental body. Its objective is to enhance the science-policy interface for biodiversity and ecosystem services towards conservation, long-term human well-being, and sustainable development. A unique term coined in this context is the ‘windshield effect,’ relating to the anecdotal observation of fewer insects smashed on car windshields, indicating global declines in insect abundance.
