Biodiversity loss, its causes, and ways to address

The United Nations reports that biodiversity on a global scale is declining at an unprecedented rate and nearly 1 million species are at risk of extinction.

A sharp decline or imbalance in biodiversity can be a huge impact on humans too. In fact, the finger is pointed at the human race as the core reason behind the loss of biodiversity. Besides the extinction of the species, biodiversity loss is also a reason due to concerns related to food security and water quality.

Apparently, the reduction of the loss of biodiversity is a huge challenge for the human race.

What is Biodiversity Loss? 

It refers to the decline or disappearance of biological diversity, understood as the variety of living things that inhabit the planet and its different levels of biological organization. Biodiversity describes genetic diversity within the same group of species and in between different forms of species. It is the core to the health and resiliency of ecosystems.

Various Causes of Biodiversity Loss

Believe it or not, all the reasons for biodiversity loss explained in brief below are a result of utter ignorance and irresponsibility by the human race. According to Britannica, a well-known student center encyclopedia, the following are the reasons behind the loss of biodiversity and affecting our lives in multiple ways, directly and indirectly.

Extreme & Constant Climate Changes

It impacts biodiversity at various levels: species distribution, population dynamics, community structure, and the functioning of the ecosystem.

Critical Rise in Pollution Levels

The pollution here is not only related to the smoke via carbon emissions, it also includes noise pollution and light pollution. Extreme levels of light and noise affect certain living organisms.

Destruction of Habitats

Heard the word soil pollution? Yes, impacts hugely on the loss of biodiversity. Soil pollution is caused by the activities such as deforestation.

Invasive Alien Species

These are the second biggest reason after humans according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Because, they act as predators, compete for food, hybridize with native species, introduce parasites, diseases, etc.

Overexploitation of the Natural Resources

The greediness of humans has created an imbalance in the usage of natural resources. The exploitation and usage of them are way more than the process of regeneration. It obviously has a huge impact on the planet.

Adverse Effects of Biodiversity Loss

A significant and long-term biodiversity loss could result in many more pandemics in the future. We are very well aware of how a pandemic marks a lasting effect on humans recently due to Covid. Not only this, the other unthinkable effects are mentioned below:

Species Extinction

The huge changes in natural habitats due to urbanism or civilization bring destruction. Apparently, it puts thousands of species in danger of extinction.

Future Threats to Humans

Severe loss in biodiversity endangers human living as it directly depends on the soil and water, which are the basis of food production. 

Proliferation of Pests

Food production has already reduced due to a significant cut in cultivation & farming. This deficit is becoming even more series due to the rise in pesticides damaging crops. It happens due to the imbalance in the ecosystems.

Rising CO2 Emissions

Trees are lungs that absorb the carbon in the air to make us breathe cleaner air. If the ecosystems are damaged significantly, even the capacity of the trees and forests to absorb the CO2 will decrease.

Ways to Address these Problems

There are a few groups of indigenous and non-indigenous people, including scientists, who have realized an unpleasant future for all species, including humans, and have been putting their best foot forward. 

“Understandings of Indigenous people and local communities regarding nature aligns perfectly well with the Convention on Biological Diversity’s vision of Living in Harmony with Nature. It seems paradoxical that global discussions on the collective future of the planet do not heed the voices of indigenous peoples and local communities,” said ICREA Research Professor Victoria Reyes-García, leader of the study.

It is crystal clear that we can no longer afford the loss of biodiversity as it is our primary responsibility towards the generations to come. 

The UN’s Commitment

The United Nations has a list of commitments through its SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). This list depicts ways to address the problems associated with biodiversity loss.

It aims to sustainably manage and protect marine, coastal, terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems, address the effects of ocean acidification and regulate fishing while promoting sustainable fisheries.

Another development is to protect, restore and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, halt and reverse land degradation, combat desertification, and stop biodiversity loss.

Ground-level Awareness & Efforts

We can all do our part to fight biodiversity loss on a personal level. You may be wondering how? Well, by prioritizing sustainable mobility and sustainable food, responsible consumption, and recycling practices. Also, reducing the small actions that pollute our lands, air, and water will play its part. 

Knowledge indeed is the key here too. Various events, programs, and seminars to bring and raise awareness through environmental education and actions focused on protecting and conservating biodiversity.