As global leaders gather for the UN’s biodiversity summit, scientists caution that continued inaction on biodiversity loss could have catastrophic consequences for humanity.
Phoebe Weston reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Human-driven biodiversity loss has already pushed the planet into a danger zone, threatening food security, clean water and public health.
- Key ecosystems are nearing tipping points, which could lead to dramatic shifts such as forests becoming savannas and fisheries collapsing.
- The biodiversity crisis exacerbates global inequalities and is contributing to conflicts over resources like water and food.
Key quote:
“We are on the precipice of shattering Earth’s natural limits – we have not gone there yet, but we are right on the edge.”
— Tonthoza Uganja, land restoration expert
Why this matters:
The collapse of ecosystems directly impacts human survival, affecting everything from food production to global health. Urgent action is needed to prevent irreversible damage that could destabilize societies worldwide.
