The science leaves no doubt: we’re destroying our planet at an alarming rate, and will very soon be approaching the point of no return.
The WWF Living Planet Report 2018, published today, presents a sobering analysis of the impact of humans on the world’s wildlife: global species populations have declined by a shocking 60% since 1970, with freshwater species taking a hit as big as 83%!
These findings come on the back of the recent IPCC report, showing clearly that even if we manage to keep global temperature rise to 1.5°C, this will have serious consequences for natural habitats and species; a rise of 2°C would be devastating. And yet, we are currently on a 3°C+ trajectory…
Is there still hope? Certainly. But urgent action on all levels is needed. This is why WWF is calling for a Global Deal for Nature & People, which must galvanize action to the make immediate, deep and transformational changes that this crisis demands.
Such changes must be championed by the EU – both by acting at home and on the international stage. The upcoming elections (and the resulting renewal of key decision-making bodies) will present the EU with a key opportunity to revive its global leadership on climate change and nature conservation. After all, we cannot have a thriving Europe on a depleted planet: decision-makers must realise that not ‘just’ our nature, but our health, wellbeing, livelihoods, security and prosperity are at risk.
With the science being crystal clear, can we really afford to delay action?