- New research conducted by the WWF and ZSL shows that global wildlife populations have fallen by 58% since 1970.
- Figures suggest that amphibious animals; those living in lakes, rivers and wetlands are suffering the biggest losses.
- In response to the publication of the report, the Former Environment Secretary, Dame Caroline Spelman, has secured a Westminster Hall debate on ‘global biodiversity’.
- Whilst some in the scientific community have challenged the accuracy of the figures, MPs are expected to argue that there is an ‘overarching consensus’ that global wildlife populations are rapidly diminishing.
New research conducted by the World Wildlife Fund and Institute of Zoology has shown that the global wildlife population has fallen by more than half over a forty year period. Since 1970, the Living Planet Index – the database which records the global ecological and bio-geographical profile – has recorded a 58% decrease in the animal population.
This analysis looked at 3,700 different species of birds, fish, mammals, amphibians and reptiles.
Statistics show that the most significantly affected class are amphibians - with the decline standing at around 81% between 1970 and 2012.
The report cites the growth of human enterprise, a loss and degradation of natural habitats, the exploitation of wildlife through hunting, poaching and unsustainable harvesting, together with pollution, climate change and disease as the reasons behind the sharp decline.
The Director General of the World Wildlife Fund argued that the findings of the report show that the world is “living on the edge” and, that the results of this study should motivate mankind to “build a future in harmony with the planet”.
Speaking at the launch of the Living Planet Report, the Secretary of State for the Environment, Andrea Leadsom MP, said:
“The Living Planet Report is a stark reminder of the scale of the challenge we face, but it also makes clear that the solutions are there if we all play our part.
“Our Overseas Territories are home to unique marine species and habitats, which, without protection, could be lost forever - that is why we are working to build a Blue Belt of protection around these areas.
“We are also showing our leadership on global issues such as tackling the illegal wildlife trade and I will be attending the Hanoi conference next month to continue the fight against this scourge.
“The UK has a strong track record in wildlife conservation and I am committed to protecting and restoring our natural environment for future generations.”
In Parliament, the Former Environment Secretary, Dame Caroline Spelman, has tabled a Westminster Hall debate, to be held on Tuesday 1st November, to discuss global biodiversity.
The MP for Meriden in the West Midlands; who successfully negotiated two United Nations Climate Change agreements for Britain, is expected to say to MPs:
“Global wildlife populations are declining at an unprecedented rate. Climate change, habitat loss and degradation, species over-exploitation, pollution, and animal diseases present a dangerous cocktail of threats, which if left unchecked, risks mass extinction of species.
“The irrefutable evidence in this report has shown that our own generation, and those before us, have directly contributed to the loss of habitats which has endangered and even extinguished parts of the global animal population.
“Whilst United Kingdom has made significant progress towards securing sustainable biodiversity and protecting endangered wildlife in recent years – such as through the return of the otter to every county in England - there is still a long way to go to replace the natural capital we have lost and we are legally bound to try and halt this decline.
“For that reason, we must work to achieve far beyond our individual commitment and, in the wake of this new evidence, use our influence as a global leader in environmental sustainability to try and help others build a resilient global ecology for the sake of future generations”.