73%. This is the staggering decline in wild vertebrate populations over 50 years. The WWF
Living Planet 2024 report is alarming. Iconic species, such as the African forest elephant, are approaching a tipping point.
Illustrative image Pexels
The numbers are overwhelming. In just five decades, freshwater species populations have dropped by 85%. This is also the case for 69% of terrestrial populations and 56% of marine species. This dramatic decline is largely attributed to human activities: habitat destruction, intensive agriculture and deforestation.
But that is not all. Climate change, another designated culprit, is worsening the situation. Rising temperatures lead to extinctions and threaten the stability of ecosystems. Essential barriers, like coral reefs, which protect against storms, are in great danger.
The most significant declines are seen in Latin America, with an average drop of 95%, as well as in Africa and Asia-Pacific, which have seen respective losses of 76% and 60% of their species. However, while other continents are less affected by these figures, it is likely due to the fact that animal populations had already largely disappeared before the start of the 50-year period studied.
World leaders are being called upon to act at COP16. The WWF is demanding immediate actions, including stopping harmful environmental subsidies and protecting vulnerable areas.
France, with its coral reefs and unique biodiversity, is at the heart of this battle. WWF France advocates for a sustainable agricultural transition, less reliant on pesticides and excessive irrigation.
There are, however, glimmers of hope. Thanks to conservation efforts, some species like the European bison or mountain gorillas are seeing slight recoveries. But this remains insufficient in the face of the scale of the disaster.
The WWF's message is clear: swift and massive action is needed to prevent nature from crossing irreversible thresholds.
What is a tipping point?
A tipping point is a critical threshold beyond which an ecosystem undergoes irreversible change. Once this threshold is crossed, subsequent changes become self-sustaining, leading to rapid and deep environmental degradation.
This phenomenon occurs when an ecosystem is subjected to continuous pressures, such as deforestation, climate change, or pollution. For example, the Amazon could turn into a savannah if deforestation continues, reducing its capacity to absorb CO2.
The consequences of these tipping points are severe both for ecosystems and for humanity. Loss of biodiversity, disruption of natural cycles, and an increase in natural disasters are just a few examples.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND