Biodiversity loss: causes, consequences and solutions
Biodiversity loss, a risk for the environment and for humanity
The planet's biodiversity is under threat and the main culprit is the one who, paradoxically, depend on it most: human being. Slowing down biodiversity loss, understood as the reduction or disappearance of the variety of living beings that inhabit the planet, is one of humanity's great challenges. Below, we review the causes, consequences and possible solutions.
The countries that make up planet Earth have failed to meet any of the targets set to halt the destruction of biodiversity by the start of this decade. That was the stark conclusion of the fifth edition of the Global Biodiversity Outlook report
External link, opens in new window. , published in 2020 by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). The report not only warned of the alarming degradation of nature but also identified it as a factor increasing the risk of future pandemics.
The year 2020 marked the deadline for achieving the so-called Aichi Targets – the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity (2011–2020) established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This roadmap set out 20 goals aimed at halting the loss of biodiversity worldwide. However, over time, the report revealed that none of these targets had been fully met, resulting in negative consequences for species and ecosystems – and for humanity itself.
Far from reversing, this trend has continued in recent years. Various reports from global organisations specialising in this field warn that pressure on ecosystems continues to mount, driven by factors such as land-use change, overexploitation of resources and climate change. Against this backdrop, the international community has adopted a new framework for action: the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
Enlace externo, se abre en ventana nueva. , adopted in 2022. This agreement sets more ambitious targets for 2030, such as protecting 30% of land and marine areas, and seeks to correct past mistakes by strengthening funding, governance and the integration of biodiversity into economic decision-making.
What is biodiversity loss
Biodiversity loss refers to the decline or disappearance of biological diversity, understood as the variety of living things that inhabit the planet, its different levels of biological organisation and their respective genetic variability, as well as the natural patterns present in ecosystems. The 2024 Living Planet ReportEnlace externo, se abre en ventana nueva. , produced by the NGO WWFEnlace externo, se abre en ventana nueva. , revealed an alarming 73% decline in the average population size of more than 5,000 species of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians over the past 50 years. This indicator clearly reflects the severe deterioration of biodiversity on a global scale.
Causes of biodiversity loss
Biodiversity has declined at an alarming rate in recent years, largely as a result of human activity. Let's take a look at some of the main causes:
Climate change
Climate change impacts biodiversity at various levels: species distribution, population dynamics, community structure and the functioning of the ecosystem.
Pollution
When we talk about pollution, we may think of car exhaust fumes billowing into the atmosphere, but biodiversity is not only affected by this type, it is also affected by noise pollution and light pollution.
Destruction of habitats
Soil pollution and changes in its uses due to activities such as deforestation have a negative impact on ecosystems and the species that make them up.
Invasive alien species
Invasive alien species are the second biggest cause of loss of biodiversity in the world, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). They act as predators, compete for food, hybridise with native species, introduce parasites and diseases, etc.
Overexploitation of the natural environment
The overexploitation of natural resources, that is, their consumption at a speed greater than that of their natural regeneration, has an obvious impact on the planet's flora and fauna.
The loss of biodiversity over the last few centuries
- 1 Year
- 2 Population
- 3 Land area converted for human use
- 4 Loss of species in ecosystems
| 1 Year | 2 Population | 3 Land area converted for human use | 4 Loss of species in ecosystems |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1800 | 0.9 billion | 7.6 % | -1.8 % |
| 1900 | 1.7 billion | 16.9 % | -4.9 % |
| 2000 | 6.1 billion | 39.3 % | -13.6 % |
| 2100 Green model | 8.7 billion | 33.4 % | -11.6 % |
| 2100 Current model | 12 billion | 49.1 % | -17 % |
Source: PNUMA
Effects of biodiversity loss
Biodiversity loss has many consequences, not only for the environment, but also for human beings at the economic and health level. During the 11th assembly of the IPBESExternal link, opens in new window. , platform, Alicia Pérez-Porro, head of policy engagement and institutional relations at CREAF, took the opportunity to raise awareness: “This is a critical moment to align efforts on a global scale.” Below, we outline some of its other adverse effects:
Extinction of species
The alteration and destruction of habitats puts thousands of species in danger of extinction.
Threat to human beings
Biodiversity loss endangers human well-being by affecting soil and water, which are fundamental to food production.
Proliferation of pests
For example, imbalances in ecosystems can lead to the emergence of pests that damage crops.
Increase in CO2 emissions
The capacity of forests and oceans to absorb CO2 decreases if their ecosystems are adversely affected.
Extinct animals
We list some of the extinct species that we can only reminisce about today.
Seed banks
What they are and their role in saving biodiversity and saving our food supply.
Climate change, biodiversity and health
Climate change: a risk multiplier for biodiversity and health.
Biodiversity protection in projects
How do we protect and preserve biodiversity?
Iberdrola’s goal for biodiversity
Iberdrola has committed to achieving a net positive impact on biodiversity by 2030, integrating conservation into every stage of its facilities’ life cycle. To this end, it is applying the mitigation hierarchy and has established mechanisms for identifying, monitoring and assessing impacts.
The Biodiversity Plan 2030, which is being applied across the entire Iberdrola Group, responds to the urgent need to halt biodiversity loss. Its goal is to help transform the energy model into one that is compatible with both nature and people, addressing impacts on ecosystems and species – including across the supply chain – while generating economic and social value through ecosystem services.
The plan builds on Iberdrola’s Biodiversity Policy, which was first approved in 2007 and updated in 2021 to reflect greater ambition in terms of sustainability. It is therefore backed by more than a decade of work integrating biodiversity into the Group’s strategy and decision-making processes.