Loss of biodiversity: A devastating consequence of climate change

IMAGE CREDIT:
Image credit
iStock

Loss of biodiversity: A devastating consequence of climate change

Loss of biodiversity: A devastating consequence of climate change

Subheading text
Global loss of biodiversity is accelerating despite conservation efforts and there may not be enough time to reverse it.
    • Author:
    • Author name
      Quantumrun Foresight
    • December 13, 2021

    Insight summary

    Biodiversity, the rich tapestry of life on Earth, is under threat, with a significant decline in animal and plant species populations worldwide. Human activities, such as deforestation, overfishing, and global gas emissions, are the primary culprits, leading to ecosystem instability and potential disruptions in industries like agriculture and pharmaceuticals. To mitigate this, it's crucial for governments to implement sustainable policies and for industries to consider biodiversity in their operations while addressing broader issues like climate change and overconsumption.

    Loss of biodiversity context

    Biodiversity is the term scientists use to describe the collective variation in all living beings on Earth. All living creatures fit into an intricate pattern, sharing water, oxygen, food, and other elements essential for survival on the planet. Unfortunately, multiple reports have raised the alarm on the receding populations of animal and plant species in the last 50 years. 

    An intergovernmental panel from the United Nations (UN) has revealed that one million animal species are under the threat of extinction. Meanwhile, a Living Planet Report in 2020 that collected data spanning 50 countries and 100 experts has found a 68 percent decline in global populations of various animals in the last five decades. The rate of decay of these species is also speeding up and all regions of the globe have endangered species with exploitation rates ranging from 18 percent to 36 percent. Accordingly, scientists now consider the modern era as the Earth’s sixth mass extinction, warning of dire consequences for natural habitats. 

    Humans are primarily responsible for endangering various species. Practices like deforestation, overfishing, hunting, and global gas emissions are primary causes. The UN Convention on Biological Diversity has identified several ways nations can tackle this issue, including grassroots efforts like increased farming, protected lands and water bodies, and better city planning. However, underlying causes like climate change, overconsumption of animals, and rapid urbanization, need to be resolved. 

    Disruptive impact 

    When we lose species, we lose the unique roles they play in ecosystems, such as pollination, seed dispersal, and nutrient cycling. This loss can lead to a domino effect, destabilizing ecosystems and making them more vulnerable to disturbances, such as disease outbreaks or climate change. For example, the loss of a single predator species can result in an overpopulation of its prey, leading to overgrazing and habitat degradation.

    Furthermore, many industries, such as agriculture, fisheries, and pharmaceuticals, rely heavily on biodiversity for their operations. The loss of species can disrupt supply chains, increase costs, and reduce the availability of resources. Companies that fail to consider biodiversity in their operations may face reputational risks, regulatory sanctions, and loss of market share. For instance, a company that sources materials from a region known for deforestation may face backlash from consumers and investors who value sustainability.

    Governments can implement policies that promote sustainable land use, protect endangered species, and incentivize businesses to adopt environmentally friendly practices. For example, a government could introduce tax incentives for companies that implement sustainable farming practices, reducing the impact on local ecosystems. Furthermore, governments can collaborate on international agreements and initiatives to protect biodiversity on a global scale. 

    Implications of biodiversity loss

    Wider implications of biodiversity loss may include: 

    • The risk of increasingly rapid cycles population collapses or imbalances in the wild.
    • Declines in the growth of various wild plant species if the mammals and insects they depend on for pollination and seed dispersal go extinct.  
    • Declines in the variety and quantity of plant agricultural output, both due to climate change impacting growing conditions and a reduction of insects (like bees) for pollination.
    • Higher government expenditures on preserving biodiversity, including the expansion of protected conservation areas and wildlife conservation departments.
    • Increased demand for wildlife experts to facilitate biodiversity restoration projects.
    • The development of novel fertility and cloning technologies to support the population growth of existing (and even extinct) animal species.

    Questions to consider

    • Do you think it’s possible to reverse rates of biodiversity loss by 2030 (in time to meet the SDG’s deadline)? 
    • How can nations improve their coordination to strengthen conservation efforts?

    Insight references

    The following popular and institutional links were referenced for this insight: