One million in danger
The UN warns that one million species face extinction
A landmark report from the United Nations has warned that one million species are now threatened with extinction – many within decades. Extinction happens naturally at a rate of one to five a year, we’re losing species at up to 1,000 times that background rate. The culprits are: changes in land and sea use; direct exploitation (including hunting and fishing); climate change; pollution and invasive alien species. Livestock farming and fishing are at the heart of all of these. Compiled by 145 experts from 50 countries, the report says: “Nature is declining globally at rates unprecedented in human history – and the rate of species extinctions is accelerating, with grave impacts on people around the world now likely”. The authors say it’s not too late to make a difference, but only if we start now at every level from local to global.
United Nations. 2019. Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. https://www.ipbes.net
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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