What are the biggest drivers of biodiversity loss?
What are the biggest drivers of biodiversity loss? Earth.com
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Primary drivers of biodiversity loss
Global biodiversity has declined by 2% to 11% during the 20th century due to land-use changes alone. As we progress into the mid-21st century, climate change is projected to become the primary driver of biodiversity loss.
Land-use changes and ecosystem services
The researchers utilized thirteen models to evaluate the impacts of land-use and climate change on four different biodiversity metrics and nine ecosystem services. The findings highlight the substantial influence of human activity on natural environments.
Future drivers of biodiversity loss
Looking forward, the study combined the effects of climate change with land-use changes to project future biodiversity and ecosystem service trends. All scenarios – from sustainable development to high emissions – suggest that biodiversity loss will occur across all global regions due to the compounded effects of these two factors.
Safeguarding biodiversity in the coming decades
“Our analysis shows that a truly integrated approach considering the different sustainability dimensions in a consistent framework is needed to reduce conflicts between policies and safeguard biodiversity in the coming decades,” said study co-author Petr Havlík, the program director of IIASA Biodiversity and Natural Resources.
Prioritizing conservation and restoration efforts
“Given the potentially synergistic negative effects of land use and climate change on biodiversity, our findings suggest that conservation and restoration efforts should be prioritized globally as necessary natural climate solutions,” noted study co-author Piero Visconti, the Biodiversity, Ecology, and Conservation Research Group leader at IIASA.
Addressing human-induced biodiversity loss
According to the scientists, evaluating the effects of specific policies on biodiversity is crucial for pinpointing the most effective strategies to protect and enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services. Despite uncertainties in modeling, the results unequivocally demonstrate that existing policies fall short of achieving international biodiversity targets. This highlights the urgent need for intensified efforts to address human-induced biodiversity loss.
More about biodiversity loss
Biodiversity loss refers to the ongoing decline in the variety of life across the planet, encompassing species, genetic variants, and ecosystems. The drivers of biodiversity loss include human activities such as deforestation, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation of natural resources. The impact of losing biodiversity is profound and multifaceted, affecting everything from ecosystem stability and resilience to the availability of resources like food, clean water, and medicines. As species disappear, so do crucial ecosystem services, leading to challenges that affect climate regulation, flood control, and the pollination of plants. This loss also has significant cultural impacts, especially for indigenous communities who depend directly on their local ecosystems. The fight against biodiversity loss involves conservation efforts, sustainable practices, and international agreements aimed at preserving the natural world for future generations.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. | Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning. | Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 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. | Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses the decline in global biodiversity due to land-use changes and climate change. SDG 15 specifically focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and their services.
SDG 13: Climate Action
The article highlights the projected increase in biodiversity loss due to climate change. SDG 13 aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
SDG 14: Life Below Water
Although not directly mentioned in the article, the decline in biodiversity and ecosystem services can have significant impacts on marine and coastal ecosystems, which are addressed by SDG 14.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
The article emphasizes the need for conservation and restoration efforts to address biodiversity loss caused by land-use changes and climate change.
Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
The article highlights the importance of understanding the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystem services, indicating the need for education and awareness-raising.
Target 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.
Although not directly mentioned in the article, the decline in biodiversity and ecosystem services can have significant impacts on marine and coastal ecosystems, emphasizing the need for their sustainable management and protection.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area
The article discusses the impact of land-use changes on biodiversity loss, indicating the relevance of monitoring changes in forest area as an indicator of progress towards conserving and restoring terrestrial ecosystems.
Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula
The article emphasizes the importance of education and awareness-raising on climate change and its impacts, suggesting the use of this indicator to measure progress in integrating climate change topics into educational curricula.
Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches
Although not directly mentioned in the article, the decline in biodiversity and ecosystem services can have significant impacts on marine and coastal ecosystems. Monitoring the proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches can help measure progress towards sustainable management and protection of these ecosystems.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. | Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning. | Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 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. | Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches |
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Fuente: earth.com
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