Report From The Living Planet Index (LPI)

More than 10,000 representative populations of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish,have declined by 52 % since 1970.

Meaning than in less than two human generations, population sizes of vertebrate species have dropped by half. These are the living forms that constitute the fabric of the ecosystems which sustain life on Earth – and the barometer of what we are doing to our own planet, our only home. We ignore their decline at our peril.

We are using nature’s gifts as if we had more than just one Earth at our disposal. By taking more from our ecosystems and natural processes than can be replenished, we are jeopardizing our very future. Nature conservation and sustainable development go hand-in-hand. They are not only about preserving biodiversity and wild places, but just as much about safeguarding the future of humanity – our well-being, economy, food security and social stability – indeed, our very survival.

In a world where so many people live in poverty, it may appear as though protecting nature is a luxury. But it is quite the opposite. For many of the world’s poorest people, it is a lifeline. Importantly though, we are all in this together. We all need nutritious food, fresh water and clean air – wherever in the world we live.

Things look so worrying that it may seem difficult to feel positive about the future. Difficult, certainly, but not impossible – because it is in ourselves, who have caused the problem, that we can find the solution.

BBC the 16th of September 2015

  • Marine population ‘halved since 1970’ says new report
  • The study says some species, which people eat a lot of are doing even worse, with a 74% drop reported in the populations of tuna and mackerel fish.
  • The report says human activity, such as overfishing, and climate change is having a big impact on marine life.
  • The document was put together by the World Wildlife Fund and the Zoological Society of London.
  • “Human activity has severely damaged the ocean by catching fish faster than they can reproduce while also destroying their nurseries”, said Marco Lambertini, head of WWF International.
  • The report says that sea cucumbers – seen as a luxury food throughout Asia – have seen a significant fall in numbers, with a 98% in the Galapagos and 94% drop in the Red Sea over the past few years.
  • The study highlights the decline of habitats – such as seagrass areas and mangrove cover – which are important for food and act as a nursery for many species.
  • Climate change has also played a role in the overall decline of marine populations.
  • The report says carbon dioxide is being absorbed into the oceans, making them more acidic, damaging a number of species.

Now we must work to ensure that the upcoming generation can seize the opportunity that we have so far failed to grasp, to close this destructive chapter in our history, and build a future where people can live and prosper in harmony with nature.