A new report from World Wildlife Fund states that global populations of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish have declined by 58% between 1970 and 2012. Specifically the animals living in the Worlds lakes, rivers, and freshwater
r systems have experienced the most dramatic population declines, which is at 81%. This sudden decline is due to human activity and and if nothing changes, global wildlife populations could drop two-thirds by 2020.
The greatest threat to wildlife is the loss and degradation of the animals habitat. This is primarily due to the increasing demand for food and energy. Global food production is the leading cause for the destruction of habitats and of wildlife because agriculture currently occupies approximately one-third of Earth’s total land area and accounts for 70 percent of all freshwater use.
Humans have created this so we are also the ones who can fix it. We need to rethink how we produce, consume, approach to food, energy, transportation, and how we live our lives. There are already steps being taken to save these animals such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is an essential guide to decision-making that can ensure that the environment is valued alongside economic and social interests.
http://www.enn.com/wildlife/article/50094
Alexia Allesch 