Biodiversity completes what I like to call the 'Web of Life'.
Biodiversity decline and loss of ecosystem services is a major global threat to the future of our planet and our generations. Families, communities, nations and future generations
all depend on biological diversity.
The Earth’s
natural assets are made up of plants, animals, land, water, the atmosphere and, of course, humans. These natural assets all form part of the planet’s ecosystems. This means if there is a biodiversity crisis, our health and livelihoods are also at risk.
Human societies have been built on biodiversity. Many activities indispensable for human subsistence lead to loss of biodiversity. This trend is likely to continue in the future. We clearly benefit from the diversity of organisms that we have learned to use as renewable resources. Biodiversity has always been an integral part of the human experience. What many people don't think of is that biodiversity also influences human well-being, including the access to clean water and basic materials for a satisfactory life, and security in the face of environmental change.
Currently we are using 25% more natural resources than the planet can actually sustain. This means species, habitats and local communities are under pressure or direct threats. Examples include loss of access to fresh water, or loss of forests that provide natural barriers against forces.
“Biodiversity underpins the health of the planet and has a direct impact on all our lives.”
- WWF Global
Human societies have been built on biodiversity. Many activities indispensable for human subsistence lead to loss of biodiversity. This trend is likely to continue in the future. We clearly benefit from the diversity of organisms that we have learned to use as renewable resources. Biodiversity has always been an integral part of the human experience. What many people don't think of is that biodiversity also influences human well-being, including the access to clean water and basic materials for a satisfactory life, and security in the face of environmental change.
Currently we are using 25% more natural resources than the planet can actually sustain. This means species, habitats and local communities are under pressure or direct threats. Examples include loss of access to fresh water, or loss of forests that provide natural barriers against forces.
“Biodiversity underpins the health of the planet and has a direct impact on all our lives.”
- WWF Global
Threat status of comprehensively assessed species by IUCN.
Source: IUCN, 2010, compiled by Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (2010) Global Biodiversity Outlook 3
Source: IUCN, 2010, compiled by Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (2010) Global Biodiversity Outlook 3