COP16 Biodiversity Summit: How Nations Are Tackling International Biodiversity Loss and Species Extinction

Biodiversity accommodates numerous life on Earth, together with crops, animals, fungi and even microorganisms like micro organism. These totally different life kinds are interconnected and supply important sources equivalent to clear air, water, meals, and medicines. It is not simply particular person species, however the interplay amongst them that ensures the sustainability of the planet. Sure species, like timber and mangroves, assist fight local weather change, enhance air high quality, and defend ecosystems from pure disasters.

What number of species are dealing with extinction?

Consultants estimate that round a million species of crops and animals are susceptible to extinction. Species naturally go extinct, however the fee of extinction has dramatically elevated resulting from human actions. Scientists are actually warning of a possible “sixth mass extinction.” The Worldwide Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has flagged over 45 p.c of the 163,000 species it screens as being in danger. Species like amphibians, mammals, and birds are significantly susceptible, with a good portion underneath risk.

Main threats to biodiversity

Habitat destruction resulting from logging, overfishing, looking, and deforestation is a important risk to biodiversity. Between 2001 and 2021, 437 million hectares of forest cowl have been misplaced, with the destruction of major forests inflicting extreme ecological injury. In areas like Latin America, wildlife populations have plummeted by as much as 95 p.c. Local weather change is one other problem, making it tougher for species to adapt.

International efforts to guard biodiversity

On the COP15 summit in 2022, international locations pledged to guard 30 p.c of the planet’s land and seas by 2030 by way of the Kunming-Montreal International Biodiversity Framework. Governments have agreed on targets like rising ecosystem conservation, utilizing sources sustainably, and making certain honest distribution of pure sources. International locations dedicated to offering $200 billion per yr for biodiversity safety, with richer nations contributing $30 billion yearly to assist tasks in poorer international locations.