Human beings are turning out to be major threat for the survival of wildlife. They will have to change their attitude and embrace an environment that is friendly. WWF has reported that the health of the world is in peril since populations of many animals have fallen by 60 percent since 1970, across the globe. Plastic pollution is playing havoc with the seabirds – they ingest plastics and this has assumed alarming proportions. The world has also lost around half its shallow water corals in just 30 years.
Daily Mail UK reports that the situation warrants positive action.
The loss of thousands of species that include a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, and amphibians is a matter of concern. WWF wants a global charter on the lines of the Paris accord on climate change. It feels an action of this nature could help to retrieve the situation and preserve the wildlife.
60%
— PaulF (@soradicchio) October 30, 2018
Populations of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians have, on average, declined by 60% between 1970 and 2014, the most recent year with available data.https://t.co/yUo7ADSkD3
Planet Grim, population: us (and declining wildlife pop. as well)
Cross section of wildlife that is in peril
An analysis of available data shows that the decline is worst in tropical regions.
There is a major drop in the population of species that inhabit freshwater habitats. This is as per the findings of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). The threatened species cover hedgehogs and puffins apart from large animals like elephants, rhinos and polar bears. This, in the opinion of Living Planet, is attributable to various factors like loss of habitats due to urbanization, poaching, and pollution.
There are also the evils of climate change and plastic pollution
Carter Roberts, president, and CEO of WWF-US has made a very relevant observation. He said, “natural systems essential to our survival—forests, oceans, and rivers—remain in decline. Wildlife around the world continues to dwindle.” WWF chief executive Tanya Steele adds that in order to have a world where we can breathe clean air and have enough food for everyone, we must tackle the problem before it is too late.
We must draw up a plan for global recovery.
WWF gives a wakeup call
The damage is done, and as the population of wildlife keeps going down, man must rethink strategies to bring back normalcy. According to Independent UK, we must address issues like overexploitation of the planet’s resources and consider using unconventional tactics. Tanya Steele chief executive at WWF says nature is threatened and we must evolve a suitable remedy. The present situation is a result of overfishing, deforestation, and the use of pesticides that appear to be normal. However, these are in fact dangers for the survival of wildlife.
Governments must unite and take a decision to save the planet. WWF recommends the ideal time to conclude an agreement to save wildlife would be 2020. At that time, the UN will meet to discuss issues related to the health of the earth like climate change, ocean conservation, sustainable development goals, and biodiversity, etcetera.