Species Extinction and Discovery
- Accelerated Extinction Rate: We are witnessing species disappear 1,000 to 10,000 times faster than the natural extinction rate, with numerous extinctions happening every day.
- Undiscovered Species: Scientists have cataloged approximately 1.7 million species, but it’s estimated that there are between 5 to 30 million species yet to be discovered.
Habitat Loss and Conservation
- Tropical Rainforest Decline: Once covering 14% of the Earth’s surface, tropical rainforests now occupy less than 6% due to human activities.
- Megadiverse Countries: The 17 countries with the highest biodiversity, known as “megadiverse,” occupy less than 10% of Earth’s land but house over 70% of all species.
- Biodiversity Hotspots: Over 30% of the world’s species are found in biodiversity hotspots, which cover just 2.3% of Earth’s surface.
Water and Marine Life
- Freshwater Biodiversity: Though freshwater comprises only 3% of global water, it supports nearly 6% of all species.
- Marine Biodiversity: Marine life represents less than 1% of all species but accounts for over half of the planet’s biodiversity.
Economic and Environmental Impact
- Economic Dependency on Biodiversity: Approximately 40% of the global economy relies directly or indirectly on biodiversity.
- Intact Forests: Only 15% of the world’s forests remain untouched, with the rest having been cleared or degraded by human actions.
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Threatened Species
- Threatened Plants: About 22% of known plant species are threatened with extinction.
- Vertebrate Population Decline: Since the 1970s, vertebrate wildlife populations have declined by an average of 68%.
- Declining Bird Populations: 40% of bird species globally are experiencing significant declines.
Regional Biodiversity Loss
- European Union Biodiversity: Between 1990 and 2015, biodiversity in the EU has decreased by 13%.
Alison Adams, a Philly native and proud University of Pennsylvania alum, is your go-to Career Expert with a laid-back approach. She’s been in the job seeker’s shoes and knows how to navigate the wild world of work. Alison’s all about sharing practical tips and tricks with a personal touch, making her a favorite for those looking to level up their careers.