11 August 2016 | VOL 536 | Sean Maxwell and colleagues
The analysis of IUCN Red List data by Sean Maxwell and colleagues reveals that overexploitation and agriculture are the primary drivers of biodiversity decline, despite the growing media focus on climate change. Overexploitation, including illegal hunting and unsustainable logging, affects 72% of threatened species, while agriculture imperils 62% of them. The expansion of agricultural activities and unsustainable logging contribute to the decline of numerous species. Climate change, though a significant future threat, currently affects only 19% of threatened species. The authors urge conservation efforts to prioritize addressing these immediate threats, as they are more prevalent and have a greater impact on biodiversity. They also highlight effective tools and approaches to mitigate the harm caused by overexploitation and agricultural activities, such as sustainable harvest regimes, protected areas, and public education. Ensuring the preservation of ecosystems today will help ameliorate the challenges posed by climate change.The analysis of IUCN Red List data by Sean Maxwell and colleagues reveals that overexploitation and agriculture are the primary drivers of biodiversity decline, despite the growing media focus on climate change. Overexploitation, including illegal hunting and unsustainable logging, affects 72% of threatened species, while agriculture imperils 62% of them. The expansion of agricultural activities and unsustainable logging contribute to the decline of numerous species. Climate change, though a significant future threat, currently affects only 19% of threatened species. The authors urge conservation efforts to prioritize addressing these immediate threats, as they are more prevalent and have a greater impact on biodiversity. They also highlight effective tools and approaches to mitigate the harm caused by overexploitation and agricultural activities, such as sustainable harvest regimes, protected areas, and public education. Ensuring the preservation of ecosystems today will help ameliorate the challenges posed by climate change.