We need air, we need water, we need food. We depend on the planet’s complex ecosystem to provide all of these things. Without a diverse ecosystem, we won’t survive.
Pollinators such as birds, bees and other insects are estimated to be responsible for a third of the world’s crop production. Microbes and invertebrates in the soil help keep the soil healthy for growing food. Our diverse ecosystem is what keeps the water and air clean, and makes it possible to produce our food. In short, biodiversity is essential for the processes that support all life on Earth, including humans.
A mass extinction is a short period of geological time in which a high percentage of biodiversity, or distinct species dies out. (Think dinosaurs.) Scientists now believe we’re in the midst of a mass extinction, and this one is driven by humans: our unsustainable use of land, water and energy use, and climate change, according to World Wildlife Fund.
A report by WWF reveals an average decline of 69% in species populations since 1970. While conservation efforts can--and do--work, urgent action is still needed to reverse this nature loss.
Big changes in the way we produce and consume will make a difference, the WWF report says. These include making food production and trade more efficient, reducing waste, and favoring healthier and more sustainable diets.
Hunting and habitat loss in the past drove many large mammals in Europe close to extinction. But conservation efforts there appear to be helping — many of the continent’s mammal populations are flourishing again.
A 2011 study commissioned by Rewilding Europe from the Zoological Society of London and partners found five European carnivore species--the brown bear, Eurasian lynx, wolverine, grey wolf and golden jackal--all expanding their range.
The latest report by Rewilding Europe shows the trend continues to be promising. Hannah Richie, head of research at Our World in Data, gathered the data from the 2022 Rewilding Europe report to create a list of mammals in Europe that are making a comeback.
There are many ways in which we can reverse nature loss, including bolder and more ambitious conservation efforts. There are still small things you can do every day to help.
1. Use less energy: You know the drill: Turn off lights and appliances you're not using, lower your thermostat, put on a sweater.
2. Buy less stuff: If something breaks, repair it. Take advantage of the sharing economy -- you can share things, borrow them or buy used, too. Here are 30 ways to reduce waste that will also save you money, and ways to reduce plastic waste.
3. Travel greener: Taking a train has a lower carbon footprint than driving, and flying economy class has a lower footprint than first class or business class. Here’s how 30 common modes of transportation rank by carbon footprint.
5. Speak up: Choose a bank that doesn’t invest in fossil fuels, ask your favorite companies to produce more sustainable products and avoid those that pollute or harm the environment.