Wildlife populations have decreased 73% since 1970

In the previous 50 years, wild populations of animal species that are monitored have decreased by 73% between 1970 and 2020, according to WWF’s Living Planet Report (LPR) 2024.

The WWF Living Planet Index, which incorporates data from 35,000 populations of over 5,000 species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds, demonstrates the rapid global reduction of these species, mostly due to human pressures. Climate change also poses a significant threat, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean, while pollution is a notable concern in North America, Asia, and the Pacific region. Populations of freshwater species experience the greatest decrease, with terrestrial and marine vertebrates following closely behind.

The WWF’s Living Planet Report states that "the Earth is approaching irreversible global tipping points driven by nature loss and climate change, such as the dieback of the Amazon rainforest and the mass die-off of coral reefs. These tipping points would create shockwaves far beyond the immediate area impacting food security and livelihoods."

The report also emphasises the importance to simultaneously confront the "interconnected" crises of climate change and nature destruction, and warned of major "tipping points" approaching certain ecosystems that can have huge impacts on wildlife across the globe.

Read the full report here or by heading over to the World Wildlife Fund website.

A decline in populations of wild species threatens the functioning of the ecosystem (Stock Image)