What is biodiversity loss

Biodiversity loss refers to the decline or disappearance of biological diversity,understood as the variety of living things that inhabit the planet, its different levels of biological organisation and their respective genetic variability, as well as the natural patterns present in ecosystems. In mid-2019, the United Nations (UN), in collaboration with IPBES, presented an ambitious report [PDF]External link, opens in new window. on biodiversity warning that out of a total of eight million, one million species are in danger of extinction. Some researchers even dared to talk about the sixth mass extinction in the history of the planet.

Causes of biodiversity loss

Biodiversity has declined at an alarming rate in recent years, largely as a result of human activity. Let's take a look at some of the main causes:

 Climate change

Climate change impacts biodiversity at various levels: species distribution, population dynamics, community structure and the functioning of the ecosystem.

 Pollution

When we talk about pollution, we may think of car exhaust fumes billowing into the atmosphere, but biodiversity is not only affected by this type, it is also affected by noise pollution and light pollution.

 Destruction of habitats

Soil pollution and changes in its uses due to activities such as deforestation have a negative impact on ecosystems and the species that make them up.

 Invasive alien species

Invasive alien species are the second biggest cause of loss of biodiversity in the world, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). They act as predators, compete for food, hybridise with native species, introduce parasites and diseases, etc.

 Overexploitation of the natural environment

The overexploitation of natural resources, that is, their consumption at a speed greater than that of their natural regeneration, has an obvious impact on the planet's flora and fauna.