As we continue to witness the ongoing effects of the climate crisis, there’s an increasing sense of urgency to take sustainable and nature-positive action now rather than later. For many, this can seem overwhelming but any changes big or small will make a difference in the long run.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the top three reasons why tackling biodiversity loss and nature preservation is imperative now rather than later, and how we can make sustainable changes for a big impact.
1. Nature’s natural tipping points
Nature has tipping points, beyond which ecosystems can undergo irreversible changes, leading to the collapse of vital systems that support life. For example, deforestation, ocean acidification, and climate change are pushing many ecosystems towards these tipping points.
Launched in December 2023, the Global Tipping Points report is run by 200 global researchers and outlines the assessment of risks and opportunities to the Earth’s climate. According to the report, the planet has already surpassed five important thresholds and is on route to reach three more thresholds by the 2030s.
These thresholds include the collapse of big ice sheets in Greenland and the Antarctic, the decline of coral reefs and the weakening of an oceanic current in the North Atlantic. Unfortunately, these climate changes have domino effects on both the natural and human populations of the planet including loss of biodiverse ecosystems, hotter temperatures and increased rainfall and flooding risk.
On the positive side, the report also looks at so-called ‘positive tipping points’; positive environmental changes that are being seen as a result of climate education, technological advancement and public buy-in. These include the reduced cost of renewable energy and an uptick in electric car sales.
2. The acceleration of climate change
The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly severe and unpredictable, impacting weather patterns, food security, and global health. Restoring nature, such as reforestation and wetlands restoration, can mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas.
In recent decades, human activity has caused a sharp decline in biodiversity. Populations of wild animal species have declined almost 70% since 1970 and just 3% of global land ecosystems remain intact. All this data indicates the pertinent threat climate change has to our natural habitats and how important it is to act now to protect them.
Healthy ecosystems are more resilient to the impacts of climate change and can help protect communities from extreme weather events like floods, droughts, and hurricanes. Immediate restoration efforts are essential to bolster our natural defences against climate change and reduce greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.
3. Climate change does not operate in a vacuum
The degradation of natural habitats not only affects wildlife but also has direct and indirect impacts on human societies. Many communities worldwide depend on healthy ecosystems for their livelihoods, food, and clean water.
Climate issues do not operate in a vacuum and should not be treated as such. In a recent UN workshop, environmental leaders and experts found that “previous policies have largely tackled biodiversity loss and climate change independently of each other, and that addressing the synergies between mitigating biodiversity loss and climate change, while considering their social impacts, offers the opportunity to maximise benefits and meet global development goals.â€
Therefore, taking action now to tackle biodiversity loss will have knock-on effects for climate and global communities. Restoring nature can improve economic outcomes by securing these livelihoods, creating jobs in restoration and conservation, and providing new opportunities through sustainable tourism and agriculture. Furthermore, investing in nature restoration now can save significant economic costs in the future by avoiding the need for more drastic measures to combat environmental degradation and its societal impacts. Acting today ensures a more sustainable and equitable world for current and future generations.
Taking action now for a bright future
The imperative to take action to preserve nature now rather than later is clear and urgent. Waiting for the perfect moment or more favourable circumstances only exacerbates our challenges. The evidence overwhelmingly shows that the health of our planet and the well-being of future generations are at stake. By acting decisively today, we have the opportunity to mitigate the worst effects of environmental degradation, safeguard biodiversity, and secure a sustainable future for all life on Earth
Furthermore, the longer we delay action, the greater the cost, both economically and environmentally. Investing in conservation and sustainable practices protects invaluable ecosystems and species and yields long-term benefits for human health, economies, and overall quality of life.
Ultimately, taking action to preserve nature now demonstrates our commitment to responsible stewardship of the planet and our dedication to ensuring a habitable and flourishing world for generations to come. It is a moral imperative, a practical necessity, and a collective responsibility that cannot be postponed.
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