Visualizing the Decline of Earth’s Ecosystems

Visualized: The Decline of Earth’s Ecosystems 

Critical ecosystems that regulate our climate, support biodiversity, and sustain life on Earth have faced devastating declines over the past few centuries. 

In this visualization, we partnered with Zero Carbon Analytics to highlight these declines in four key ecosystems on Earth, using data from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). 

Unprecedented Nature Loss 

Whether economic, cultural, or regulatory, nature provides immense value for humans. In fact, the combined value of ecosystem services is estimated to be more than $150 trillion annually. 

According to IPBES, however, nature is now declining faster than at any point in human history. Here are four statistics to highlight the extent of this loss. 

In general, natural ecosystems have seen a 47% decrease against their estimated baselines as of 2019. 

Taking a closer look at individual ecosystems, one of the most extreme losses is being seen in wetlands. 

Wetlands are vital for filtering water, preventing floods, storing carbon, and providing habitat for countless species. Since 1700, wetlands around the world have decreased by 85%. According to IPBES, this is 3x faster than the rate of forest loss. 

Similarly, the live coral cover of reefs around the world has also decreased by 50% between 1870 and 2019. Coral reefs support 25% of marine life, protect coastlines from storms, and sustain millions of people through fisheries and tourism.

Reversing the Trend 

Rapid rates of biodiversity loss put many regions at risk of long-term economic instability, worsen climate change, and exacerbate global problems such as the food price crises, according to Zero Carbon Analytics.

Taking swift actions, including closing the existing biodiversity funding gap, can be crucial in reversing these trends in our ecosystems. 

Learn more about biodiversity loss