Biodiversity or the variety of life on Earth, is crucial for the sustenance of the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. It provides humans with a range of services, and also plays a critical role in regulating the Earth’s climate, protecting against natural disasters. However, humanity has placed it in jeopardy, creating a crisis that raises questions about our future. Can we halt this decline and safeguard the natural world? writes MOHAMMAD RAFIUL HASSAN.
Biodiversity – a contraction of biological diversity- means the range of life on Earth and all its interdependent relationships. It is essential to the survival of every living organism, as it supports the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. Biodiversity encompasses an extensive array of life forms, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, plants, fungi, and microorganisms such as bacteria, protists, and viruses.
At a more comprehensive level, biodiversity includes genes, individual species, communities of creatures, and entire ecosystems, such as coral reefs and forests, where life interacts with the physical environment. These interdependent relationships have enabled Earth to support life for billions of years.
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Biodiversity holds different meanings for various individuals. For some, it relates to conserving the unique flora and fauna of ecosystems under threat. For others, it signifies the variety of living organisms that serve as sources of food, medicine, and shelter for humans and other living beings. From a philosophical perspective, biodiversity represents the accumulated knowledge that evolving species have gained over millions of years about how to adapt and survive through various environmental conditions. However, experts warn that humanity is currently destroying this knowledge, leading to the “burning of the library of life.”
BIODIVERSITY AT RISK: WE ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM
Biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth, is at risk due to human activities. There is no doubt that we are causing significant damage to biodiversity, with consequences that are far-reaching and potentially catastrophic. The 2019 Global Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) revealed that one million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction, which is the highest number in human history. Moreover, the WWF Living Planet Report in 2020 highlights an average 68 percent decline in the global population of mammals, fish, birds, reptiles, and amphibians since 1970.
The current rates of extinction are estimated to be roughly 100 times higher than typical rates in the fossil record, with predictions that this increase will rise to 1000- 10000 times higher in the future. The major causes of biodiversity loss include habitat destruction, overexploitation, pollution, climate change, and introduction of invasive species. Habitat destruction is one of the most significant threats to biodiversity worldwide, with the conversion of natural ecosystems to agricultural land, urbanization, and deforestation leading to the loss of habitats for many species. The loss of habitat has resulted in the fragmentation of populations, making them vulnerable to extinction due to inbreeding, genetic drift, and loss of genetic diversity.
Overexploitation of natural resources, including fishing, hunting, and logging, is another significant driver of biodiversity loss. Unsustainable practices lead to the depletion of populations and, in some cases, the extinction of species. Poaching and the trade in wildlife species are also among the most important concerns in the management of protected areas today, and current wildlife protection and law enforcement measures are inadequate and inefficient.
Pollution from various sources, including industrial processes, agriculture, and human waste, also poses a significant threat to biodiversity. Pollution can alter the physical and chemical properties of ecosystems, leading to the death of many species. Climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing biodiversity in the 21st century. Rising temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events are affecting the distribution and abundance of many species.
Climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing biodiversity in the 21st century. Rising temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events are affecting the distribution and abundance of many species. The effects of climate change are most severe in sensitive ecosystems, such as coral reefs and polar regions.
Invasive species, those introduced to ecosystems where they do not naturally occur, pose a significant threat to biodiversity. Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources, leading to their decline and eventual extinction. The introduction of invasive species is often accidental, but intentional introductions for agricultural or ornamental purposes have also occurred.
The ramifications of the decline in biodiversity are extensive and have the potential to be disastrous. The loss of biodiversity threatens the functioning of ecosystems, reducing their ability to provide essential services, such as pollination, water filtration, and climate regulation. It also threatens food security, as many crops rely on the ecosystem services provided by biodiversity. Moreover, the economic impact of biodiversity loss cannot be overstated, as research indicates that the global economy may suffer losses of up to $10 trillion per year by 2050 as a result of the decline in ecosystem services. This underscores the critical importance of biodiversity, which is not only the most complex but also the most fundamental aspect of our planet, as Professor David Macdonald of Oxford University has emphasized.
“Without biodiversity, there is no future for humanity.”
Professor David Macdonald
Oxford University
WHY BIODIVERSITY MATTERS
Functional and thriving ecosystems have a vital role in supporting human livelihoods by providing essential necessities and benefits such as food, water, energy sources, and carbon sequestration, which are commonly referred to as “ecosystem services of biodiversity.” The five ways in which biodiversity sustains our economies and improves our well-being can be further examined, highlighting its potential to do even more.
Biodiversity provides livelihoods:
The value of natural ecosystems to human livelihoods is immense, with an estimated worth of approximately $125 trillion per year, more than twice the world’s gross domestic product (GDP). The value of natural ecosystems to human livelihoods is immense, with an estimated worth of approximately $125 trillion per year, more than twice the world’s gross domestic product (GDP). Globally, three out of four jobs rely on water, while over 60% of the world’s working poor are employed in the agricultural sector. In the Global South, livelihoods for over 1.6 billion people are sourced from forests. Therefore, it is crucial to protect and restore ecosystems not only for the benefit of nature but also for the communities that depend on them.
Globally, three out of four jobs rely on water, while over 60% of the world’s working poor are employed in the agricultural sector. In the Global South, livelihoods for over 1.6 billion people are sourced from forests. Therefore, it is crucial to protect and restore ecosystems not only for the benefit of nature but also for the communities that depend on them.
Genetic diversity are fundamental to ecosystem services. Genetic diversity plays a critical role in agriculture by building resilience and protecting against environmental stresses such as pests, crop diseases, and natural disasters. This not only provides a source of income but also safeguards the food security of many of the world’s poor.
Furthermore, ecosystems and landscapes hold intrinsic value to humans, including recreational opportunities, cultural significance for Indigenous communities, and contributions to physical and mental health. Without biodiversity, these values will be lost.
Biodiversity benefits business:
While some individuals may have concerns that environmental regulations and the protection of nature could negatively affect businesses, the “restoration economy” – which focuses on restoring natural diversity – presents more employment opportunities in the United States than most extractive sectors and has the potential to create even more. The restoration economy is valued at approximately $25 billion annually and employs more individuals directly than the coal, mining, logging, and steel industries combined. Businesses that are nature-positive can offer cost-effective, robot-proof, and business-friendly jobs that stimulate the rural economy without causing harm to the environment.
According to the World Economic Forum’s recent Nature Risk Rising Report, more than half of the world’s GDP ($44 trillion) is heavily or moderately reliant on nature. As nature loss continues to increase, many businesses are at risk. For example, global sales of pharmaceuticals that rely on natural materials are worth an estimated $75 billion per year, and natural wonders such as coral reefs are crucial to the food and tourism industries. By ensuring biodiversity, there is significant potential for the economy to expand and become more resilient. For every dollar spent on nature restoration, there is a minimum of $9 in economic benefits. Furthermore, changes to agricultural and food production practices could unlock up to $4.5 trillion annually in new business opportunities by 2030 while also preventing trillions of dollars in social and environmental damages.
Biodiversity ensure health and food security:
Global nutrition and food security depend on biodiversity. Millions of species collaborate to offer a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, and animal products that are crucial to maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. Every nation has its own native crops, including wild greens and grains, that have adapted to local environments and are therefore more resilient against pests and extreme weather conditions. Such produce is an essential source of micronutrients for local communities. Biodiversity helps fight disease: An increase in human health has been linked to higher rates of biodiversity. Plants are essential for medicine, with 25% of drugs used in modern medicine derived from rainforest plants and 70% of cancer drugs being natural or synthetic products inspired by nature. This indicates that each time a species becomes extinct, a potential new medicine is lost.
Biodiversity Protect us:
Biodiversity plays a critical role in maintaining habitable conditions on Earth. Diverse ecosystems offer nature-based solutions that protect us from natural disasters such as floods and storms, purify our water, and enhance our soil quality. These solutions could also provide up to one-third of the carbon emissions reductions necessary to achieve the Paris Agreement objectives. By 2030, nature-based solutions could provide 37% of the cost-effective CO2 mitigation required to limit global warming within 2°C. However, human activities have led to the clearance of over 35% of the world’s mangroves, which has put homes and people at risk from floods and sea-level rise. If we lose today’s mangroves, an additional 18 million people will be flooded each year, causing an increase of 39%, and property damage will increase by 16% ($82 billion). The foundation of economic growth, human health, and prosperity is built upon natural ecosystems. As human activity threatens these systems, recognizing the importance of biodiversity is the first step in ensuring its protection. We must safeguard biodiversity to protect our own long-term interests as a species.
INTERRELATION OF BIODIVERSITY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Biodiversity is a critical component of the natural resource base, which interacts with technology and socioeconomic factors to determine the path of development. If the existing processes erode biodiversity, the resulting development will not be sustainable in the long run. However, managing biodiversity effectively by maintaining its structure and functional relationships could lead to a more sustainable pathway for economic development.
Biodiversity is the foundation upon which human civilization has been built, providing intrinsic value and goods and services that support sustainable development and poverty alleviation.
It supports essential ecosystem functions, such as the provision of fresh water, soil conservation, and climate stability. Biodiversity also provides products, including food, medicines, and materials for industry, and is integral to cultural values. In essence, biodiversity serves as life insurance for sustainable development.
Sustainable development relies on the interactions between technology, natural resource base, and socioeconomic factors. These elements must work symbiotically and complementarily to produce goods and services sustainably. The technologies used to utilize the natural resource base must be both economically viable and environmentally friendly to achieve sustainable development.
NEED FOR CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY
The conservation of biodiversity is a critical aspect of sustainable development, as the loss of biodiversity is an irreversible process that has severe consequences for our planet. Extinction is a final event with no possibility of a second chance, and ecological boundaries to growth exist that will soon be exhausted if we do not change our practices.
Failure to preserve and manage biological diversity in a sustainable manner leads to environmental degradation, the emergence of new and more rampant diseases, increased poverty, and an ongoing cycle of inequitable and unsustainable growth. This is particularly concerning as the ecological footprint of humanity exceeds what the planet can support by around 70%, and in the wealthiest countries, it is as much as four or five times larger.
To contribute to more sustainable global systems, residents in industrialized nations have a responsibility to participate in preserving biodiversity.
At an individual level, this could entail practices such as reducing air travel, purchasing organic products, consuming less red meat, avoiding fast fashion, and creating a carbon sink in one’s backyard.
At an international and policy level, commitments are required to restore the ecosystems of the planet, following the examples of the Everglades in the United States and farmers in the African Sahel. Indigenous and local communities possess deep and rich traditional knowledge on how to care for increasingly delicate landscapes, while technological innovation is a crucial tool. Therefore, it is essential to work collaboratively and support these communities while leveraging innovation to promote sustainability and preserve biodiversity for future generations.
In conclusion, biodiversity is facing a severe threat due to human activities, and the consequences of its loss are dire. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize the protection of biodiversity and implement effective conservation strategies. Such strategies should include habitat restoration, the protection of critical habitats, and the regulation of the trade of endangered species. Furthermore, individuals can make a difference by reducing their impact on the environment, supporting sustainable agriculture and fishing practices, and reducing their carbon footprint. Everyone has a role to play in protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainability. It is essential to act quickly to protect biodiversity and ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty and ecological services provided by the Earth’s diverse array of life.
