Nature in Peril: WWF Report Reveals 73% Decline in Global Wildlife Populations

Canada, Nunavut Territory, Repulse Bay - a polar bear stands on melting sea ice near Harbour Islands.Photo byGetty

A devastating new report from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has revealed a staggering 73% decline in the world's wildlife population over the past 50 years (1970-2020), showing what they state is a 'system in peril.' The WWF warned in the 'Living Planet Report 2024' that the loss could quicken in future years as global heating accelerates, triggered by tipping points in the Amazon rainforest, Arctic, and marine ecosystems, which could have catastrophic consequences for nature and human society.

The decline was particularly acute in Latin America and the Caribbean, where wildlife populations plummeted by 95%. This was followed by Africa, which lost 76%, and the Asia-Pacific, which lost 60%.

The latest edition of the Living Planet Report.Photo byhttps://livingplanet.panda.org/

A Living Planet Index, provided by WWF, comprises almost 35,000 population trends from 5,495 mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptile species worldwide and has become one of the leading indicators of the global state of wildlife populations.

Land-use change was the most critical driver of the fall in wildlife populations. This change was often driven by the expansion of agricultural frontiers, where natural ecosystems were converted into farmland, often at the expense of ecosystems such as tropical rainforests. The threats include habitat loss from food systems, overexploitation, invasive species, and diseases.

Where there was once a dense rainforest, soya beans now grow (Brazil).Photo byPedro Ladeira

The report warns of potential tipping points, critical thresholds in the Earth's system that, if crossed, could lead to rapid and irreversible changes. These include the dieback of the Amazon rainforest and mass coral bleaching, which could have catastrophic consequences for global food security and livelihoods. The decline in wildlife populations is an early warning for increased extinction risks and potential ecosystem collapse, jeopardizing essential services such as clean air and water.

Despite overall declines, some species, like mountain gorillas, have seen population increases due to effective conservation.Photo byJurgen Vogt / Shutterstock.com

Dr. Kirsten Schuijt from WWF stresses that while the situation is dire, it is not beyond redemption. This is a crucial moment for us to come together and take immediate action to restore ecosystems and protect the planet for future generations. The next five years are critical for implementing effective strategies to combat these pressing environmental issues. Countries have committed to halting biodiversity loss and limiting temperature rise as part of international agreements. Still, actual implementation is lacking, and the report calls for more ambitious national plans to reverse the trends. The WWF report highlights the upcoming biodiversity and climate summits, COP16 and COP29, as crucial opportunities for countries to enhance their commitments and funding for nature and climate initiatives.