Live planet report describes biodiversity in environment and ecology, which measures diversity, which is based on population trends of “vertebrate species”. The earth consists of rich biodiversity, which is being declined over a period of time because of human distractions. It impacts not only wildlife population but also human population and its several aspects. As per the LPI 2020, a significant decline has been observed in vertebrate species since 1970 to 2016. 

What is the “Living Planet report”?

“Living planet index LPI is an index that measures the state of biological diversity in the world, which is based on vertebrate species in married, freshwater and terrestrial habitats’ population trends. 

“Zoological Society of London” ZSL is the responsible authority for releasing LPI. ZSL was founded in 1826, which is focused on charity works on conservation of wildlife populations.  

LPI tracks nearly 21000 populations which belong to 4000 vertebrate species. 

Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the diverse community of environment and ecosystem which consists of all living populations are organisms. In other words it can be defined as the variability within species and between the ecosystems as well. Biodiversity can be also categorised under three levels such as “genetic biodiversity”, “species biodiversity” and “ecosystem biodiversity”. 

Findings of LPI 2020

  • LPI 2020 has shown that more than 68% of the global population belonging to vertebrate species has declined since 1970. It signifies losses of populations in different species between 1970 and 2016. 
  • There is a decline of 45% in the Asia Pacific regions. The decline in is a specific reason denotes loss of species in these specific regions because of pollution, carbon emission and other activities in oceans.
  • Largest fall has been observed in the “topical sub regions in America” where 94% decline has been observed by LPI. It is the most vulnerable region that faces losses of population of different vertebrate species in this religion. 
  • Populations of freshwater species have declined by 84% since 1970. Freshwater species are threatened, that is, one of three. Hence, the activity of human civilization is affecting the freshwater species most as a result the population of freshwater species has declined very fast. 
  • Wetland areas have lost 85% of their total area compared to 1970. Losses of wetlands also caused losses of several species of birds and animals, which were dependent upon the wetland ecosystems. Wetland areas are significant because of its biodiversity which has been affected by human civilization and instructions and cause losses of population of different species of birds, animals, reptiles and others.
  • LPI has also highlighted the rise in pollution in oceans. Exploitation of ocean resources is the major cause for declining ocean pollution.
  • The biggest places which are bigger in terms of size are the most vulnerable species because of overexploitation. 
  • LPI 2020 has signified there was an excessive ecological footprint in 1970, which signifies rich ecological assets in nature which were provided to the population of different species to consume.
  • It has also signified that because of excessive carbon emission in the environment, Earth’s generated power has declined and in the current situation the existing population is demanding more than 1.54 times of ecological assets that earth generates. 

Significance of LPI 2020

LPI 2020 house reflected a serious threat to the biodiversity of the world that has been impacted by human civilization and destruction. There are several impacts on biodiversity that indirectly affect ecology and environment. 

Threats to environment

Changing biodiversity has been caused by several reasons such as land, air and water pollution that have impacted on wildlife populations such as freshwater, terrestrial and Marine populations. Excessive usages and exploitation of land water caused losses of habitats and degradation. Over exploitation of resources creates impacts on the environment and wildlife population that can affect future generations. 

Pollution

LPI has also highlighted States from the side of population on environment that affects several species and reduces the population size of the species. Population affects availability of food and resources for the species population and affects their live performances such as reproduction performance which force a decline in population trend. 

Impact of climate change

Climate change is one of the major concerns of Nations and conservation organisations as it directly affects biodiversity of the world. Several regions are facing issues because of climate changes as it enhances the rise of global warming. Global warming impacts species in Marine and terrestrial environments; this situation increases challenges for several species and their existence.

Conclusion:

Sustainable ecology

The Nations need to focus on sustaining a production system that can provide an eco friendly environment for trading. There is also a need to utilise natural resources more efficiently so that environmental sustainability is being established by nations. 

Reduction of waste and carbon emission

Efficient utilisation of resources would provide an opportunity to reduce wastages in the environment and an efficient production system so that it can mitigate negative impacts of resource exploitation. Carbon emission is one of the major sources of climate change and global warming which are harming wildlife populations as well as human civilization which need to be mitigated through adopting green technologies.