Rapid biodiversity decline revealed

Conservation group WWF’s latest study of biodiversity has revealed a shocking series of declines that have taken place despite widespread awareness and action around the world. The Living Planet Index (LPI) shows an overall wildlife population fall of 27% between 1970 and 2005. Particularly hard hit according to the report – which tracks almost 4000 populations – are marine species and seabirds, with sharp declines in the last ten years.

The report states that the two main drivers behind the declines in the last three decades are habitat destruction and wildlife trade, however climate change is taking shape as a third and potentially more destructive factor.

It is hoped that that study will influence the agenda at the latest meeting of the Convention of Biological Diversity, the international event taking place in Bonn later this week

“Biodiversity underpins the health of the planet and has a direct impact on all our lives, so it is alarming that despite an increased awareness of environmental issues we continue to see a downward trend,” commented Colin Butfield, Head of Campaigns at WWF-UK. “However, there are small signs of hope, and if government grasps what is left of this rapidly closing window of opportunity, we can begin to reverse this trend and move away from three planet living to a one planet future.”

“Reduced biodiversity means millions of people face a future where food supplies are more vulnerable to pests and disease and where water is in irregular or short supply,” added James Leape, WWF’s Director General. “No-one can escape the impact of biodiversity loss because reduced global diversity translates quite clearly into fewer new medicines, greater vulnerability to natural disasters and greater effects from global warming.”