Despite its importance, biodiversity is under severe threat from human activities. Habitat destruction, driven by deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion, is one of the most significant threats. When natural habitats are lost, the species that depend on them are often unable to survive, leading to declines in population and, in many cases, extinction.

Climate change further exacerbates these challenges by altering temperature and precipitation patterns, disrupting habitats, and causing shifts in species distributions. For example, rising temperatures are causing polar ice to melt, threatening species adapted to cold environments, such as polar bears and penguins. Ocean acidification, a result of increased carbon dioxide levels, affects marine life, particularly organisms with calcium carbonate shells and skeletons, like corals and shellfish.

Pollution is another critical threat. Chemical pollutants, plastics, and other waste products contaminate air, water, and soil, harming both terrestrial and aquatic species. The accumulation of toxins in the food chain can lead to health problems for wildlife and humans alike. Invasive species, introduced either accidentally or intentionally, can outcompete native species for resources, leading to significant ecological disruptions.