Investigating Threats to Biodiversity

5/10/20231 min read

brown deer on brown grass field during daytime
brown deer on brown grass field during daytime

Biodiversity decline

Predicted trend: 20% of all species are in danger of extinction in the next few decades.

Political/economic repercussion(s): Loss of ecosystem services; compromised human health

Climate disruption

Predicted trend: Humanity is on track to cause more >1.5 deg Celsius global warming between 2030 and 2052.

Political/economic repercussion(s): Increased incidence of human migrations on a massive scale.

Population growth/consumption

Predicted trend: By 2050, the world population is likely to reach 9.9 billion.

Political/economic repercussion(s): Crowding, joblessness, increased likelihood of war and conflict, deterioration of infrastructure, food insecurity, poor governance, higher probability of pandemics.

Reference: Bradshaw, C.J., P.R. Ehrlich, A. Beattie, G. Ceballos, E. Crist, J. Diamond, R. Dirzo, A.H. Ehrlich, J. Harte, M.E. Harte and G. Pyke. (2021). ‘Underestimating the challenges of avoiding a ghastly future’, Frontiers in Conservation Science 1 2021, p.9.