When you hear about habitat destruction, invasive species, and extinctions, what you’re hearing about is the loss of biodiversity. And we are facing an unprecedented loss of global biodiversity. As of October 2024, 46,337 species are reported as threatened with extinction, according to the IUCN Red List.
Biodiversity
The word biodiversity is a combination of the words biological and diversity. Usually, it means the number of species in a habitat. But it can also describe genetic variability within a species and ecosystem diversity in a geographic region. Biodiversity applies to systems of any size, from a cup of seawater to a local watershed or the entire biosphere of planet Earth. Coined by ecologist Raymond Dasmann in his 1968 book “A Different Kind of Country,” the word biodiversity was not widely used until the 1980s, when people began to understand just how important biodiversity is.
The Value of Biodiversity
Each of the diverse types of organisms that have evolved in the world has an intrinsic right to exist. But biodiversity also has utilitarian value to both humans and ecosystems. According to the insurance group Swiss Re, more than half of global GDP – $41.7 trillion – is dependent on functioning ecosystems. Ecosystems with greater diversity generally have a greater capacity to provide the ecosystem services like food, fuel, shelter, pollination, and pest control as well as climatic services like temperature regulation, water purification, and nutrient cycling. Biodiversity plays a key role in the stability of ecosystems over time. Genetically diverse populations are better able to survive disasters such as climate change. There is immeasurable potential for additional benefits, such as new medicines, from species that haven’t been identified or studied yet.
Biodiversity Hotspots
Key regions around the globe contain an amazing concentration of species. These 36 recognized biodiversity hotspots comprise 2.5% of Earth’s land surface but account for 35% of the ecosystem services that vulnerable human populations depend on.
And perhaps because they are so biologically rich, they tend to host some of the world’s densest human populations. Home to around 2 billion people, including some of the world’s poorest, these areas are also some of the world’s most vulnerable. Some hotspots have already lost 95% of their vegetation but the local people are not always responsible. According to one recent study, over the past 12,000 years, nearly three-fourths of terrestrial ecosystems have been shaped by humans according to traditional land uses that encourage biodiversity.
But in hotspot Borneo, for example, international corporations have extracted lumber, coal, rubber, precious metals, and minerals from formerly forested areas. Massive palm oil plantations have replaced more forest. In 40 years, these activities destroyed 30% of Borneo’s forests.
Convention on Biological Diversity
At the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, the United Nations presented the Convention on Biological Diversity, which was signed by 168 countries, including the United States. Every 10 years, governments agree on new targets to protect biodiversity. Most recently, governments pledged to halve the loss of natural habitats and expand nature reserves to 17% of the world’s land area by 2020. So far, none of the targets have been met. Among participating nations, only about 5% came close, while around 25% of countries made no significant progress.
At the 2022 United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Montreal, parties adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), setting ambitious targets for 2030, including protecting 30% of Earth’s lands and oceans, reducing harmful subsidies by $500 billion annually, and halving food waste.
In October 2024, the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) convened in Cali, Colombia, to assess progress toward these goals. By then, 119 countries had submitted national biodiversity targets, and 44 had aligned their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) with the GBF. Significant outcomes of COP16 included the establishment of a enhance Indigenous peoples’ participation in biodiversity governance, recognizing their vital role in conservation efforts. Delegates also agreed to implement a 0.1% fee on large biotechnology companies benefiting from genetic resources, with half of the proceeds directed to Indigenous communities. However, the conference concluded without consensus on crucial issues such as a comprehensive financial roadmap for biodiversity conservation, highlighting persistent challenges in mobilizing adequate resources to meet global biodiversity targets.
Restoring Biological Diversity
The early environmental movement focused on environmental conservation, which aimed to preserve ecosystems by eliminating human impacts. This view artificially separated humans from nature. In light of past environmental destruction, the conservation of remaining healthy ecosystems is insufficient to protect biodiversity. Habitat restoration is the process of reclaiming habitat and ecosystem functions by restoring the lands and waters on which plants and animals depend. As Millie Kerr explains in “Wilder,” habitat restoration is not always enough to restore biodiversity. Sometimes the expensive and risky process of reintroducing keystone animal species (often but not always “charismatic megafauna”) is necessary to restore self-sustaining, functional ecosystems.
How You Can Protect Biodiversity
Eliminate pesticides from your yard to improve habitat for insects and birds and replace your grass monoculture with a clover lawn or other lawn alternatives to create a backyard wildlife habitat. Work to protect bees in your community.
As a consumer, your choice to shop your values can make a difference on the other side of the world. Beef consumption is responsible, directly and indirectly, for deforestation in Brazil, and palm oil plantations destroy tropical forests around the world. Consider choosing sustainable and eco-friendly products to help protect biodiversity.
Supporting local and organic farmers is crucial for promoting sustainable agriculture and protecting the environment. By buying locally grown products, you are not only supporting small-scale farmers in your community but also reducing the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods over long distances. Additionally, organic farming practices prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and the use of natural fertilizers and pesticides, which helps to preserve ecosystems and reduce water and air pollution.
When it comes to products like coffee that are not grown locally, it is important to look for certifications like Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Rainforest Alliance to ensure that they are produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. These certifications guarantee that the coffee beans are sourced from farms that prioritize sustainable land management, protect wildlife habitats, and support local communities.
As consumers, we have the power to influence change through our purchasing decisions and advocacy efforts. By choosing to support local and organic farmers, we can help build a more resilient and sustainable food system. Additionally, by advocating for policies that promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture, we can urge our elected representatives to prioritize environmental protection and support initiatives that benefit both people and the planet.
It is also important to stay informed about local land use decisions and habitat restoration projects in your area. By volunteering your time or financial resources to support these initiatives, you can contribute to the preservation of natural habitats and the protection of biodiversity. Local parks and green spaces also benefit from community involvement, so consider joining volunteer work parties to help maintain and improve these valuable resources.
In conclusion, by supporting local and organic farmers and choosing products with environmentally responsible certifications, we can make a positive impact on the planet and help create a more sustainable future for generations to come. Let’s continue to prioritize the health of our environment and communities by making conscious choices in our daily lives and advocating for policies that promote conservation and sustainability.
