Scientists warn invasive pests are taking a staggering toll on society

Invasive Pests Threaten Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Invasive pests are causing widespread destruction and posing significant threats to sustainable development goals, according to a major report supported by the United Nations. These pests are destroying crops, spreading diseases, depleting fish populations, and driving native plants and animals towards extinction.

The Impact of Invasive Species

The report, conducted by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), reveals that over 3,500 harmful invasive species cost society more than $423 billion annually. This figure is expected to rise as global trade and travel continue to facilitate the spread of plants and animals across continents.

Global Spread of Invasive Species

Exotic species are able to traverse oceans, mountains, and other geographic barriers with the help of cargo ships and passenger jets. This unprecedented movement of species is causing a disruption in global ecosystems, posing dire consequences for humans and the environment they rely on.

Threat to Human Civilization

The report emphasizes the tremendous threat that invasive species pose to human civilization. Peter Stoett, a professor at Ontario Tech University and one of the report’s lead authors, highlights the conservative estimate of the economic cost and warns of the potential consequences if action is not taken.

Role in Biodiversity Crisis

The spread of plants and animals between continents is a major driver of the ongoing biodiversity crisis, comparable to the asteroid impact that led to the extinction of dinosaurs. Invasive species are contributing to 60% of extinctions, further exacerbating the loss of biodiversity.

Risks to Humans

In addition to environmental impacts, invasive species pose significant risks to human health and well-being. These pests threaten croplands, spread mosquito-borne illnesses, and contribute to the transmission of other diseases.

Unprecedented Movement of Species

The report highlights the unprecedented nature of today’s era, where plants and animals are crossing “big barriers” between continents. This movement, such as species crossing the Atlantic or traveling from Australia to Chile, is not normal and has far-reaching consequences.

Underappreciated Threat

The report emphasizes that the threat from invasive species is often underappreciated, underestimated, and unacknowledged. Only a small fraction of countries have laws or regulations addressing invasive plants and animals. With approximately 200 new species introduced each year, the problem is expected to worsen.

Impact on Ecosystems

Invasive species have particularly devastating effects on remote islands, which often harbor unique plants and animals. Examples include the black rat, which has decimated ground-nesting seabirds on far-flung islands, and introduced grasses that fueled wildfires on Maui, resulting in significant loss of life.

Aquatic Ecosystems at Risk

Aquatic ecosystems are also vulnerable to invasive species. The report highlights the impact of venomous lionfish in the Caribbean, which are driving down native fish populations, and zebra mussels in the Great Lakes, which are causing clogs in drinking water systems and power plants.

Water Hyacinth: The Most Widespread Invasive Plant

The water hyacinth, originally from South America, is identified as the most widespread invasive plant on Earth. Its rapid growth can cover entire ponds and lakes, disrupting boat traffic, fishing, and even depleting water sources. This plant is now found in various regions, including Africa and Australia.

Climate Change and Invasive Pests

Climate change exacerbates the problem of invasive pests by enabling species to establish and thrive in new regions. Rising temperatures allow animals like tropical fire ants to migrate to higher latitudes, increasing the spread of invasive species.

Intersectionality with Sustainable Development Goals

The report highlights the profound intersectionality between invasive species and the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. In December, nations agreed to reduce the spread of harmful invasive species by at least half by 2030. Prevention through border monitoring and import control is identified as the best approach.

Addressing the Issue

Eradication of invasive species is possible, especially on islands. Conservation efforts have successfully eliminated rodents on South Georgia Island and destructive goats in the Galapagos. Emerging technologies, such as the release of bacteria to suppress disease-carrying mosquitoes, offer hope for controlling invasive pests.

Conclusion

The report emphasizes the urgent need to address the threat of invasive species to achieve sustainable development goals. Invasive pests compound the challenges faced by fragile ecosystems already under pressure from climate change, habitat destruction, pollution, and direct exploitation of species. Taking action to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species is crucial for protecting biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 15: Life on Land
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 14: Life Below Water

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 15.8: By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems and control or eradicate the priority species.
• SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
• SDG 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 15.8: Number of introduced species that have become invasive and their impacts on ecosystems, economies, and human health.
• Indicator for SDG 13.1: Number of countries implementing national disaster risk reduction strategies in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
• Indicator for SDG 14.2: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Note: The specific indicators mentioned in the article are not explicitly stated, but these indicators are relevant to measure progress towards the identified targets based on the issues discussed.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: washingtonpost.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.