Only a couple of days ago, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) published a report warning humanity of the drastic consequences of global warming on ecosystems and diverse species worldwide. Written by over 145 different researchers originating from more than 50 countries, the #GlobalAssessment (with over 1,500 pages) highlighted devastating realities of climate change in regards to land use in agriculture, keystone species in ecosystems, marine biodiversity and much more. However what is arguably the most impactful declaration from the IPBES is that over 1 million species are at risk of extinction today.

The Main Issues

Agriculture With the rise of veganism and plant-based lifestyles, it should be clear that the propaganda towards the animal agriculture industry is exploding across the media. While many activists fight against animal cruelty and proclaim the health benefits of eliminating all animal products from one's diet, this UN report introduces a reality already explored in the 2014 documentary 'Cowspiracy'; animal agriculture is alarmingly harmful for the environment. Here are some key statistics mentioned in the report:

 - 300% more food production in comparison to 1970.  - Approximately 75% of freshwater utilised for animal usage or crop production.  - 5.6 gigaton of CO2 emissions originating from the animal agriculture industry, even more from methane (around 60% of ALL fossil fuel emissions).  - Over 33% of Earth's surface area used for crops and livestock, 2/3 of which used for animal grazing and 1/3 used for growing crops. (ibpes.org)

Marine Life A lot of people underestimate the importance of a functioning ecosystem within marine life in the ocean. Just because humans have only explored a fraction of the Earth's saltwater seas does not mean that there isn't a thriving ecosystem which is being interrupted by human intervention and overfishing. The following statistics play a large part of the overall report:

 - Only 7% of fish obtained sustainably.  - The UN predicts the extinction of 3-25% of marine biomass by 2100.  - 50% of global coral reefs destroyed since 1870. (un.org)

Pollution and Urbanisation The word 'Pollution' has been thrown around over the past decades nonchalantly; people usually assume that it refers to the carbon emissions originating from automobile exhausts and the plastic littering across the globe. The truth is, it's that and so much more, as thoroughly highlighted in the Global Assessment:

 - 100% increase in urbanisation in developed and developing nations.  - 5 trillion US dollars spent in overall costs for fossil fuel extraction.  - 0.7 degree increase in global temperatures since 1980.  - 5.25 trillion micro and macro pieces of plastic found within the ocean, 8 million of which ending up in our seas DAILY. (sas.org)

The report also touches on other topics such as the impact on our personal health, deforestation, climate change and indigenous peoples and much more.  Click on the sources below each group of statistics for more information.

What Will Happen to Our Ecosystems?

One thing which is important to understand when it comes to the overwhelming information mentioned in this report, is how it will actually impact life on Earth. If  you, the reader, are familiar with the concept of ecosystems, you will understand how vital it is that the biomass of each species remains in balance so that all animals can survive. In other words, if the population of one species decreases, so will the pollution of the species that consumes that one (as it's primary source of food will be eliminated). It is a concept often studied by biologists that is becoming incredibly important after the release of this report.

In order to fully demonstrate the necessity for ecosystems to survive on our planet, this example will hopefully clarify how ecosystems function: 

Example of an ecosystem:

Grass (Lots of it)

Eaten by rabbit (Not as many)

Eaten by fox (Even less)

Eaten by coyote (Just a couple)

Suppose that the amount of grass would deteriorate, many rabbits would die of starvation. This would result in less rabbits therefore foxes would lose their primary source of food. This would result in them dying of starvation as well. This would continue with coyotes until the entire ecosystem is disrupted and species populations may become extinct. This could and will most likely occur with ecosystems across the planet, as a consequence of habitats being destroyed and species being hunted to extinction.

What We Can Do to Help

Fortunately, along with enlightening all readers with valuable information regarding our planet and global warming, the Global Assessment also includes possible solutions to the issues occurring worldwide. "The Report also tells us that it is not too late to make a difference, but only if we start now at every level from local to global." states the Chair of IPBES, Sir Robert Watson. 

Change can only occur if individuals and corporations become educated about what is really going on around the world and right before our eyes. For this reason, the report has specified a plethora of resources, tips, short and long term solutions to hopefully stop harming our planet and save our future. The following are only of couple of the many resolutions the UN has suggested:

For Industries/Corporations:  - ecosystem based approach to fishing.  - promote natural collaboration within further urbanisation.  - encourage ethical and environmentally friendly animal agriculture sectors.  - invest in water projects which promote sustainability (for more info, visit un.org)

For Individuals:  - Use sustainable energy sources within your home (solar, wind, etc)  - Reduce consumption of animal products (mainly meat) as much as possible.  - Be conscious of the amount of water you use.  - Always recycle and avoid buying overly packaged foods/products.  - Evaluate your transportation methods. (there is so much more that you can do, just type it into your search engine and get started!)

I will end this article with a word about hope. Although the Global Assessment has left many people feeling hopeless and disheartened about our future, it is important to remember that the power to change the world is in our hands. We get to determine how our planet will end up by the choices we make, and even the smallest things can have the biggest impact on our overall future. Although we are being left behind with our elder's mistakes, it is up to us to prove to the world that we do care and will make a difference. 

Let us do something meaningful to save our world, and to save humanity. 

- Alicia

Important Vocabulary

IPBES = The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service, established by the UN in 2012. It's purpose is to incorporate science and biology within governments in order to strengthen humanitarian and natural collaboration.

Global Assessment = A report commissioned by the UN and the IPBES highlighting the conditions of our planet's biology and ecosystems.

David Obura quoted in an article by Jonathan Watts in The Guardian. Human society under urgent threat from loss of Earth's natural life