What is Biodiversity Degradation?
Biodiversity degradation refers to the decline in the variety and abundance of life on Earth. This includes loss of species, genetic variety, and ecosystems themselves.
Species are going extinct at 100–1000× the natural rate, with nearly 1 million species at risk of disappearing in the coming decades.
Habitat Loss & Deforestation
Forests and natural habitats are cleared for farming, housing, and development. This destroys the homes of countless species and disrupts entire ecosystems.
Climate Change
Rising temperatures disrupt habitats faster than species can adapt. Melting ice caps, changing rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events threaten wildlife worldwide.
Pollution
Toxic chemicals, plastic waste, and pollutants poison ecosystems. Air, water, and soil pollution harm both wildlife and plant life.
Overexploitation
Hunting, fishing, and harvesting beyond sustainable levels harm wildlife. Overfishing, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade drive species to extinction.
Invasive Species
Non-native organisms outcompete native species for resources. They can spread diseases, alter habitats, and disrupt food chains.
Restore Habitats
Afforestation, wetland restoration, and preserving natural landscapes help ecosystems recover. Creating wildlife corridors connects fragmented habitats.
Reduce Climate Change
Shifting to renewable energy, reducing emissions, and protecting carbon sinks like forests. Individual actions like reducing energy use also help.
Fight Pollution
Reduce plastic use, enforce waste management laws, and ban harmful chemicals. Proper recycling and waste disposal protect ecosystems.
Stop Overexploitation
Implementing quotas, anti-poaching laws, and sustainable harvesting methods. Supporting sustainable fishing and farming practices.
Control Invasive Species
Monitoring borders, removing invasive species, and restoring native populations. Early detection and rapid response prevent spread.