Since 1948, the IUCN has listed 16,119 species whose existence is being severely jeopardised as a result of human activities. The IUCN "2006 Red List" adds 530 species to the 2004 record, illustrating what it describes as a clear trend: "biodiversity loss is increasing, not slowing down." IUCN assessments are widely recognised as the most authoritative source of the global status of plants and animals.
Among other endangered species, polar bears are set to become one of the most notable casualties, because of the strong damages caused by global warming in the Arctic area. Their population is expected to decrease by 50% to 100% over the next 50 to 100 years, according to IUCN projections.
The hippopotamus is another mammal now deemed "vulnerable" by the international organisation. Its decline in the Democratic Republic of Congo (by about 95% in a decade) is attributed to political instability in the region, which has allowed for unregulated hunting for meat and for the ivory in their teeth.
Neither far-removed deserts nor oceans escape this dramatic trend. Many species of Saharan gazelles have suffered unregulated hunting and habitat degradation, and about 20% of shark and ray species are threatened with extinction as fisheries extend into ever deeper waters.
The IUCN points at the far-reaching "implications of this trend for the productivity and resilience of ecosystems and livelihoods of billions of people who depend on them (…)." While previous conservation campaigns are said to have delivered, the 2006 Red List aims to act as "a weak-up call" to the international community for a better protection of biodiversity via a sharp reduction in greenhouse gases' emissions and stricter regulation of hunting and fishing activities. Biodiversity will be the main theme of this year's annual Green Week event organised by the Commission from 30 May to 2 June.
Subscribe
Subscribe to IEMA's newsletters to receive timely articles, expert opinions, event announcements, and much more, directly in your inbox.
Posted on 18th May 2006
Latest Posts
-
IEMA focus on skills, adaptation and nature-based solutions in CCC report
- 18th July 2024 -
Labour's plan for economic growth must mean green growth – but there is a green skills gap looming
- 5th July 2024 -
As Labour plans to “slash red tape” for economic growth, YouGov poll finds 3 in 5 people want to increase public involvement in planning system
- 28th June 2024 -
Medtronic agrees partnership with IEMA to accelerate skills and standards in sustainability
- 21st June 2024 -
Landmark climate impact ruling for fossil fuel projects, cites IEMA guidance
- 20th June 2024 -
IEMA sets out 18 policy asks for the next Government
- 3rd June 2024