A recent study by Queen’s University Belfast in Ireland revealed an alarming decline in the numbers of more than 70,000 species of animals worldwide, in the largest research in history.
Researchers found that 48% of Earth’s species are currently in decline, while less than 3% of other animal species are increasing.
With the extent of species extinction traditionally measured, 28% of life on Earth is currently at risk of extinction.
At the same time, the study shows that the lack of species in increasing numbers shows that other species are not evolving to replace extinct species in the ecosystem.
The researchers said the findings “set a powerful wake-up call” because human-caused global biodiversity loss “is more worrying than previously thought”.
Biodiversity loss is considered one of the most serious challenges that humanity will face in the decades to come, due to its impact on the functioning of ecosystems, food production, the spread of disease and therefore stability. of the world economy.
Commenting on this study, which indicates the potential danger of extinction for tens of thousands of animal species on Earth, academic and environmental expert Dr Ramadan Hamza says, in an interview with Sky News Arabia:
Even before this larger study, there is strong evidence that the numbers of more than half of animal species on Earth have declined in recent decades, and many scientists and environmental organizations are warning that the extinction of some species will exacerbate the global environmental crises, calling for urgent action and response. Environmental changes and wars are the most important reasons for the loss of natural habitats of biodiversity, which leads to the deterioration of animal and plant species, and contributes to the destruction of natural habitats, causing the loss and deterioration of forests. , water and air pollution, and climate change. The spread of wars and the use of lethal and internationally banned weapons and bombs whose effect persists for decades thanks to their radioactivity, which is a very dangerous aspect of environmental destruction resulting from human activities immoral, which increases the number of currently endangered animals and plants, and these species are distributed among mammals and birds, reptiles, fish, insects and plants.
The proposed solutions
Work to develop binding and serious strategies and programs to protect endangered species and reduce biodiversity loss, to ensure the health of ecosystems and therefore human health and the sustainability of our planet to stop the decline in the number of animal species and plants on Earth. Protect wild areas and nature reserves, including forests, marshes, coral reefs, deserts and grasslands, as these areas provide vital environments for many species and help maintain biodiversity and natural balance. Work to reduce the illegal trade in animals and plants and combat poaching, illegal hunting, environmental sabotage and nature pollution. Seeking to strengthen climates of peace and international cooperation to combat various global challenges, including climate change, instead of spreading wars, exhausting nature and destroying its balance, exploiting space technology for peace and to continue raising awareness and educating on the importance of preserving biological diversity and its positive and lasting impact on our lives and the future of the planet. Promote sustainable development and adopt development practices that achieve a balance between human needs and the preservation of biodiversity, and this can be done by promoting sustainable agriculture, accelerating the transition to renewable energy, reducing waste and pollution, promoting sustainable urban planning, international cooperation and common action between governments, as a matter of protection Biodiversity is larger and more important than conflicts and political and economic interests.
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