Wildlife populations plunge 73% since 1970: WWF

According to the latest WWF Living Planet Index, wild populations of monitored animal species have seen a dramatic decline of over 70% in the last 50 years, with the loss being as high as 95% in biodiversity-rich regions like Latin America and the Caribbean. This report, tracking 35,000 populations of more than 5,000 species, highlights the accelerating damage caused by human activities, including habitat degradation, deforestation, overexploitation, invasive species, and climate change.

The report underscores that these declines are not only catastrophic for wildlife but also threaten the ecosystems vital for human survival. Experts warn of approaching tipping points that could cause irreversible harm, such as the deforestation of the Amazon turning it from a carbon sink into a carbon source, exacerbating climate change.

Freshwater species have seen the steepest population declines, followed by terrestrial and marine species. While some areas, like Europe and North America, have experienced slower declines thanks to conservation efforts and reintroduction programs (such as for the European bison), the global trend remains "incredibly concerning."

Despite these alarming statistics, the WWF emphasizes that all is not lost, pointing to international agreements, such as the 2022 UN pact to protect 30% of the planet by 2030, as steps toward reversing this trend. However, there is a growing concern that the goals set for 2030 could be missed without significant action.

Criticism has been raised about the WWF's methodology, with some scientists arguing that the decline may be overstated. However, WWF remains confident in the robustness of its data, supported by multiple indicators of ecosystem health.