Climate crisis, intensive agriculture, human intervention in nature – all this does not leave us untouched. However, according to new estimates, the magnitude is likely more deadly than previously believed — according to this information, about 30 percent of all species worldwide have already become extinct or threatened with extinction in the past 500 years.
The results of the study indicate that more species could be threatened than previously believed, the team of authors writes, including in view of a report by the World Biodiversity Council IPBES.
The study interviewed experts who have published studies on biodiversity in professional journals over the past ten years. Previously underrepresented experts, for example from the South, and species that were previously less studied were also taken into account.
Estimates vary widely
In general, expert estimates on the proportion of endangered species varied widely, ranging between 16 and 50 percent. “While it is not yet clear with the limited information available which numbers are closer to the true value, it is clear that to get a full picture of the situation we need to seek expert opinion for all species groups in every region of the world”, said lead author Forest Isbell of the University of Minnesota (US).
The evaluation included responses from more than 3,300 experts from 113 countries.
Urgent need for action
In addition to increased investment in conservation, appropriate conservation concepts targeting a wider range of organisms must also be developed to combat the biodiversity crisis, said co-author Nico Eisenhauer of the German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research (IDIV).
“Recent studies, for example, indicate that several ongoing conservation programs may not have a positive effect on soil biodiversity.” About a quarter of all species on Earth live there.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
