Biodiversity the world over is seriously at risk of collapsing, the UN reported last week as part of their research in The International Year of Biodiversity.

The balance of ecosystems that naturally support human’s way of life are in danger of slowing reproduction to dangerously low levels, this has serious economic, health and lifestyle implications as well as environmental consequences.

THE DANGERS

A new report, published on May 10th by the UN was compiled by two environmental factions of the UN and warns that current habits, such as human consumption rates and emissions from larger-scale production and industry are swiftly cutting down biosystem’s ability to recreate themselves. They are falling behind and we could soon see a serious reduction in things such as air quality and the number of species, especially those who dwell in water.

“We need a new vision for biological diversity for a healthy planet and a sustainable future for humankind,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged in his extensive report.

The five main stressors; habitat change, over-exploitation, pollution, invasive alien species and climate change, have increased over the last few years, threatening a collapse.

CHANGING HABITS

The proposed solution? Make the preservation of bodiversity the base of all economic decisions at the governmental level. When environmental considerations underpin policy decisions, the combined benefits are greater than the sum of its parts-a kind of commitment to two concerns which have historically, rarely been linked.

In the current climate of economic instability and new found frugality, the repot points out that for a fraction of the money pledged in 2008/2009 to economic bailout packages, they can support an environmental system that sustains people longer-term and will have more impact and lasting results.

The report urges global leaders to seriously consider the environment in each of its major decisions regarding trade, farming initiatives and activities that have a direct impact on ecosystems. Even housing and building legislation have been cited as areas that need to be monitored as habitats are disappearing at an alarming rate.

This may sound demanding, but the experts who released the report warn this is the only way to slow the decrease in ecosystem reproduction, and by not taking this seriously we could see serious health and economic repercussions in the very near future.

The report is urging smaller-scale changes to habits as well as changes at the legislative levels, people can make a difference simply be making conscience decisions everyday like buying sustainably farmed animal products and produce. The WWF also helps to support the species that are affected by these changes and you can help them to continue to do so.