Impact Area

What is biodiversity and why is it important?

Biodiversity is the collection of life that makes up our natural world.

Biodiversity includes the variety of plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms that work together to create healthy, balanced ecosystems that sustain life.

This is important because it supports everything in nature that we need to survive and has a direct impact on our health and well-being. It provides food, fresh water, shelter, energy and medicine. Biodiversity also supports business and recreational activities that contribute to the economy.

What are the five greatest threats to biodiversity?

Biodiversity is threatened by humans putting strains on natural resources and reshaping landscapes, primarily as a consequence of population growth and unsustainable consumption.

Habitat loss and degradation:

When wildlife habitats are destroyed, they can no longer provide the essential food, water and shelter that species need to survive.
Climate change:

Rising temperatures and increased extreme weather events are outpacing many species’ ability to adapt, leading to sharp population declines.
Pollution:

Contaminants in air, soil and water disrupt ecosystems and threaten the survival of species within them.
Invasive species:

With no natural predators, invasive species outcompete native flora and fauna, reducing biodiversity, disrupting food webs and weakening ecosystem resilience.
Species overexploitation:

Excessive harvesting of wild plants and animals depletes populations, taking more from nature than it can sustainably offer.