www.theguardian.com Since 1970, uncontrollable human expansion has caused the loss of half of the animals in the world. A report by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has found that populations of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish have declined on average by 52 per cent over the period of 40 years.
Freshwater creatures are worse off, with population collapse of more than 3/4 over the same period.
Most of the decline is down to human activity—habitat loss, deforestation, climate change, over-fishing and hunting.
Freshwater creatures are worse off, with population collapse of more than 3/4 over the same period.
Most of the decline is down to human activity—habitat loss, deforestation, climate change, over-fishing and hunting.
www.telegraph.co.uk The WWF said the report sounded a dire alert and urged people to cut down on consumption.
WWF Director of Science and Policy said, “But we are not despairing, because we are able to say why we are losing these animals; we are seeing a loss of their habitats. We know what the problem and we are perfectly capable of putting it right.
“We need political agreement so a global climate deal can be reached and policies which take account of natural capital. And we need to start thinking about our own consumption.”
The WWF’s Living Planet Report looked at 10,380 populations of 3,038 species across the globe. The situation is worst in low-income countries.
WWF Director of Science and Policy said, “But we are not despairing, because we are able to say why we are losing these animals; we are seeing a loss of their habitats. We know what the problem and we are perfectly capable of putting it right.
“We need political agreement so a global climate deal can be reached and policies which take account of natural capital. And we need to start thinking about our own consumption.”
The WWF’s Living Planet Report looked at 10,380 populations of 3,038 species across the globe. The situation is worst in low-income countries.
www.theguardian.com Examples of dwindling wildlife populations include forest elephants in Africa, which are facing habitat loss and poaching for ivory and could become extinct within our lifetime, and marine turtles with an 80 per cent drop in numbers.
The Living Planet Report also warned that human activity is outstripping the resources the Earth can provide.
The WWF offers some advice. Use public transport instead of your car, increase recycling and eat less meat and dairy products which will cut down on the amount of new land cleared for farming. Recycle, put pressure on political and industry leaders, support sustainable businesses and send children outside to reconnect with nature.
The Living Planet Report also warned that human activity is outstripping the resources the Earth can provide.
The WWF offers some advice. Use public transport instead of your car, increase recycling and eat less meat and dairy products which will cut down on the amount of new land cleared for farming. Recycle, put pressure on political and industry leaders, support sustainable businesses and send children outside to reconnect with nature.
Anyone born in in 1970 or before would have lived in a world teeming with animals compared to life today. Not only that, but children were allowed to play outside.
Born in Australia in the early forties, I could have seen 1/3 more animals than I would today. Introduced predators such as cats and foxes are mainly to blame. Because of the country's water shortage, the population lives largely around the perimeter, leaving the desert center free.
Here in England, the red-necked phalarope is top of the endangered list, followed some we have grown to know like the cuckoo, the red squirrel, the turtle dove (symbol of loving), the brown hare and lastly the hedgehog.
What animal is disappearing near you?
Born in Australia in the early forties, I could have seen 1/3 more animals than I would today. Introduced predators such as cats and foxes are mainly to blame. Because of the country's water shortage, the population lives largely around the perimeter, leaving the desert center free.
Here in England, the red-necked phalarope is top of the endangered list, followed some we have grown to know like the cuckoo, the red squirrel, the turtle dove (symbol of loving), the brown hare and lastly the hedgehog.
What animal is disappearing near you?
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