The science-policy Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services released four reports by more than 550 experts from more than 100 countries on March 23, citing the causes, concerns and effects of biodiversity loss.
Biodiversity is fundamental for food, clean water, energy and lifestyle. The reports indicate humans must stop habitat destruction and unsustainable interactions with the natural world or risk our future. The authors indicate a connection between human-caused climate change and biodiversity loss. By 2050, they project climate change could replace land conversion as the main driver of species extinction.
Human-caused climate change is a significant contribution to the problem. Changing temperature, precipitation and extreme weather events affect biodiversity loss and worsen habitat degradation. The reports say that continuing our current rate of climate change will be the fastest negative impact on biodiversity.
Currently in North America, on average, the populations of species in any given area are about 31 percent smaller than when Europeans arrived. As the effects of climate change and biodiversity loss continue, species loss is projected to reach 40 percent by 2050. The reports described the effects of biodiversity loss elsewhere in the world.
IPBES has issued more than 140 scientific reports since 1977. Most warn of worsening effects of the climate on the natural world. With minimal pressure from citizens and media, legislators are unwilling to sacrifice short-term economic goals to meet long-term environmental challenges to the planet and human well-being. You can make a difference: contact Citizens’ Climate Lobby,
Andrew Zeiler
Durango