Global wildlife populations have declined by an average of 73 per cent in 50 years as humans continue to push ecosystems to the brink of collapse, according to a new scientific assessment.&nbsp;

The latest edition of the Living Planet report, issued on Thursday (Oct 10), by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), stated that despite such promises, the health of the planet's animal species and ecosystems is continuing to deteriorate.&nbsp;

According to the annual update of the Living Planet Index (LPI), between 1970 and 2020, the population size of monitored birds, mammals, amphibians, fish and reptiles have shrunk, on an average by 73 per cent on a global scale.&nbsp;

However, earlier in 2022's edition, it stated that the population has declined by 69 per cent.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/california-is-seeing-the-return-of-a-wild-animal-after-100-years-weve-been-invaded-756020">Also read:&nbsp;California is seeing the return of a wild animal after 100 years. 'We’ve been invaded'</a>

"This flagship WWF report reveals the extent of the decline in biodiversity and confirms the trend of previous editions," Véronique Andrieux, director general of the NGO's French branch said, adding, "Behind each species, environments and ecosystems are affected."

Latin America and the Caribbean recorded the steepest average declines in recorded wildlife populations, with a 95% fall, according to the WWF and the Zoological Society of London’s (ZSL) biennial Living Planet report.

It was further followed by Africa with 76 per cent and Asia and the Pacific at 60 per cent. Meanwhile, North America recorded comparatively lower falls of 35 per cent and 39 per cent respectively since 1970.

Watch |&nbsp;World Tourism Day Special: Sustainable Tourism &amp; Global Adventures

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Scientists have warned that the loss could fasten in future years as global heating accelerates, triggered by tipping points in the Amazon rainforest, Arctic and marine ecosystems, which could have catastrophic consequences for nature and human society.

Matthew Gould, ZSL’s chief executive, said the report’s message was clear, saying, “We are dangerously close to tipping points for nature loss and climate change. But we know nature can recover, given the opportunity, and that we still have the chance to act.”

Meanwhile, in a critique of the index published in June, scientists said it, “suffers from several mathematical and statistical issues, leading to a bias towards an apparent decrease even for balanced populations”.

“This does not mean that in reality there is no overall decrease in vertebrate populations [but the] current phase of the Anthropocene [epoch] is characterised by more complex changes than … simple disappearance," they added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Global wildlife populations have declined by an average of 73 per cent in 50 years as humans continue to push ecosystems to the brink of collapse, according to a new scientific assessment.

Global wildlife populations have declined by an average of 73 per cent in 50 years as humans continue to push ecosystems to the brink of collapse, according to a new scientific assessment. The latest edition of the Living Planet report, issued on Thursday (Oct 10), by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), stated that despite such promises, the health of the planet's animal species and ecosystems is continuing to deteriorate. According to the annual update of the Living Planet Index (LPI), between 1970 and 2020, the population size of monitored birds, mammals, amphibians, fish and reptiles have shrunk, on an average by 73 per cent on a global scale. However, earlier in 2022's edition, it stated that the population has declined by 69 per cent. Also read: California is seeing the return of a wild animal after 100 years. 'We’ve been invaded' "This flagship WWF report reveals the extent of the decline in biodiversity and confirms the trend of previous editions," Véronique Andrieux, director general of the NGO's French branch said, adding, "Behind each species, environments and ecosystems are affected." Latin America and the Caribbean recorded the steepest average declines in recorded wildlife populations, with a 95% fall, according to the WWF and the Zoological Society of London’s (ZSL) biennial Living Planet report. It was further followed by Africa with 76 per cent and Asia and the Pacific at 60 per cent. Meanwhile, North America recorded comparatively lower falls of 35 per cent and 39 per cent respectively since 1970. Watch | World Tourism Day Special: Sustainable Tourism & Global Adventures × Scientists have warned that the loss could fasten in future years as global heating accelerates, triggered by tipping points in the Amazon rainforest, Arctic and marine ecosystems, which could have catastrophic consequences for nature and human society. Matthew Gould, ZSL’s chief executive, said the report’s message was clear, saying, “We are dangerously close to tipping points for nature loss and climate change. But we know nature can recover, given the opportunity, and that we still have the chance to act.” Meanwhile, in a critique of the index published in June, scientists said it, “suffers from several mathematical and statistical issues, leading to a bias towards an apparent decrease even for balanced populations”. “This does not mean that in reality there is no overall decrease in vertebrate populations [but the] current phase of the Anthropocene [epoch] is characterised by more complex changes than … simple disappearance," they added. (With inputs from agencies)

Global wildlife populations drop by 73%, scientists warn loss could quicken ahead

World Wildlife Fund (WWF)’s Living Planet Report released Thursday (Oct 10) emphasised India’s food consumption pattern as the most sustainable among the big economies (G20 countries). The report also mentioned that if the world follows India’s pattern it would be least damaging to Earth to support food production by 2050.

The report put Argentina, Australia and the US’s food consumption patterns in the worst category and opined that it can lead to exceeding the global warming limit.&nbsp;

"If everyone in the world adopted the current food consumption patterns of the world’s major economies by 2050, we exceed the 1.5° Celsius climate (warming limit) target for food-related greenhouse gas emissions by 263 per cent and require one to seven Earths to support us," the report says, and also made a special mention of India's Millet Mission.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjY_6jHr4OJAxWEUGcHHZXVIvsQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/believe-it-or-not-eating-idli-is-causing-damage-to-biodiversity-says-study-692607" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/trending/believe-it-or-not-eating-idli-is-causing-damage-to-biodiversity-says-study-692607&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjY_6jHr4OJAxWEUGcHHZXVIvsQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Believe it or not, eating idli is causing damage to biodiversity, says study</a>

According to the paper, if all countries follow India's current consumption patterns, the globe will require "less than one planet" (0.84) to support food production by 2050. The Indian scenario is even somewhat better than the planetary climate boundary for food, which is the greatest amount of greenhouse gas emissions that food systems can generate to keep under 1.5° Celsius of the warming limit.

According to the report, the world will require 7.4 more Earths to match the food production if it follows Argentina’s consumption tendencies. Argentina has the weakest pattern in terms of food production sustainability, followed by Australia, the United States, Brazil, France, Italy, Canada and the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

Among the best food consumption patterns, India is the best-performing country, followed by Indonesia, China, Japan and Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjY_6jHr4OJAxWEUGcHHZXVIvsQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/south-asian-diet-swamped-with-microplastics-china-mongolia-breathe-bulk-of-plastics-study-730866" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/south-asian-diet-swamped-with-microplastics-china-mongolia-breathe-bulk-of-plastics-study-730866&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjY_6jHr4OJAxWEUGcHHZXVIvsQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">South Asian diet swamped with microplastics; China, Mongolia breathe bulk of plastics: Study</a>

The report also praised India’s Millet Mission, which is a government initiative that aims to increase the production and cultivation of millets, a small-grained cereal that is high in nutrition and can grow in marginal lands. The report reiterates that this ancient grain is not only beneficial for health but also a very resilient nutri-cereal in the face of climate change.&nbsp;

"Eating more sustainable diets would reduce the amount of land needed to produce food: grazing land, in particular, could be freed up for other purposes, including nature restoration and carbon sequestration," according to the study.&nbsp;

The report also encourages healthy alternative protein sources such as legumes and Nutri-cereals, plant-based meat substitutes, and nutritionally rich algae species.

(With inputs from agencies)

World Wildlife Fund (WWF)’s Living Planet Report released Thursday (Oct 10) emphasised India’s food consumption pattern as the most sustainable among the big economies (G20 countries).

World Wildlife Fund (WWF)’s Living Planet Report released Thursday (Oct 10) emphasised India’s food consumption pattern as the most sustainable among the big economies (G20 countries). The report also mentioned that if the world follows India’s pattern it would be least damaging to Earth to support food production by 2050. The report put Argentina, Australia and the US’s food consumption patterns in the worst category and opined that it can lead to exceeding the global warming limit. "If everyone in the world adopted the current food consumption patterns of the world’s major economies by 2050, we exceed the 1.5° Celsius climate (warming limit) target for food-related greenhouse gas emissions by 263 per cent and require one to seven Earths to support us," the report says, and also made a special mention of India's Millet Mission. Also Read | Believe it or not, eating idli is causing damage to biodiversity, says study According to the paper, if all countries follow India's current consumption patterns, the globe will require "less than one planet" (0.84) to support food production by 2050. The Indian scenario is even somewhat better than the planetary climate boundary for food, which is the greatest amount of greenhouse gas emissions that food systems can generate to keep under 1.5° Celsius of the warming limit. According to the report, the world will require 7.4 more Earths to match the food production if it follows Argentina’s consumption tendencies. Argentina has the weakest pattern in terms of food production sustainability, followed by Australia, the United States, Brazil, France, Italy, Canada and the United Kingdom. Among the best food consumption patterns, India is the best-performing country, followed by Indonesia, China, Japan and Saudi Arabia. Also Read | South Asian diet swamped with microplastics; China, Mongolia breathe bulk of plastics: Study The report also praised India’s Millet Mission, which is a government initiative that aims to increase the production and cultivation of millets, a small-grained cereal that is high in nutrition and can grow in marginal lands. The report reiterates that this ancient grain is not only beneficial for health but also a very resilient nutri-cereal in the face of climate change. "Eating more sustainable diets would reduce the amount of land needed to produce food: grazing land, in particular, could be freed up for other purposes, including nature restoration and carbon sequestration," according to the study. The report also encourages healthy alternative protein sources such as legumes and Nutri-cereals, plant-based meat substitutes, and nutritionally rich algae species. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian eating pattern is best for Earth, replicating it can save our planet: WWF Living Planet Report

The World Wide Fund for Nature's (WWF) Norwegian branch announced on Thursday that it would take legal action against Norway for opening up its seabed to mining without conducting adequate impact studies.

WWF calls Norway's sea-bed mining 'destructive'

Russia's position towards several of the major international organisations has only become more rigid as a result of the war in Ukraine. In a recent statement, Russia refused&nbsp;its participation in this year's Earth Hour and called the country's World Wildlife Fund (WWF) branch a "foreign agent."

Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Kremlin, stated to reporters, "This year, we have decided to refrain from participating in this action. This is due precisely to the fact that (the organisers) have become foreign agents."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-supplier-snubs-china-as-talks-move-for-second-india-factory-575629">Apple supplier snubs China as talks move for second India factory</a>

<h2>What is Earth Hour?&nbsp;</h2>

The WWF Earth Hour is the largest global climate and environmental protection campaign uniting people to take action on environmental issues and protect the planet. On Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 8:30 p.m., individuals are encouraged to turn out the lights in their homes for one hour in observance of Earth Hour.

Earlier on March 10, in another such instance, the&nbsp;Justice Ministry of Russia branded the WWF's Russian branch a "foreign agent". However, no further clarity was provided by the Russian government. Moscow failed to specify the reason for such a designation. Let alone justification, Russia also did not say anything as to which nation was funding the WWF.

The Russian branch of the WWF deemed the designation of a "foreign agent" as "unjustified" and said that it would work to get it reversed in court. This month, more than 60 environmental organisations signed a petition asking Russian President Vladimir Putin to remove the WWF's designation as a foreign agent on the grounds that it is 'apolitical'.

"We are convinced that this decision will have a negative impact on the preservation of the unique nature of our country and believe it should be reversed," the signatories said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/countdown-begins-for-isros-largest-lvm3-rocket-launch-575613">Countdown begins for ISRO's largest LVM3 rocket launch</a>

This year's Earth Hour is important, especially after a year of devastating extreme weather events, and energy crisis based on fossil dependencies and constantly changing political priorities.&nbsp;

When Earth Hour was first observed in 2007, more than two million Sydney homes turned off their lights to send a message to all of humanity.

WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-on-a-diplomatic-blitz-as-ukraine-war-rages-peace-plan-too-vague-to-make-a-difference-wion-575604">China on a diplomatic blitz as Ukraine war rages | Peace plan too vague to make a difference? | WION</a>

One year later, 370 communities across 35 nations, spanning 18 time zones, participated. In 2014, many iconic places such as the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Colosseum in Rome, the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, and the Eiffel Tower in Paris were among the famous sites that were left in the dark for one hour. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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Russia's position towards several of the major international organisations has only become more rigid as a result of the war in Ukraine. In a recent statement, Russia refused its participation in this year's Earth Hour and called the country's World Wildlife Fund (WWF) branch a "foreign agent.

Russia's position towards several of the major international organisations has only become more rigid as a result of the war in Ukraine. In a recent statement, Russia refused its participation in this year's Earth Hour and called the country's World Wildlife Fund (WWF) branch a "foreign agent." Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Kremlin, stated to reporters, "This year, we have decided to refrain from participating in this action. This is due precisely to the fact that (the organisers) have become foreign agents." Also Read | Apple supplier snubs China as talks move for second India factory What is Earth Hour? The WWF Earth Hour is the largest global climate and environmental protection campaign uniting people to take action on environmental issues and protect the planet. On Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 8:30 p.m., individuals are encouraged to turn out the lights in their homes for one hour in observance of Earth Hour. Earlier on March 10, in another such instance, the Justice Ministry of Russia branded the WWF's Russian branch a "foreign agent". However, no further clarity was provided by the Russian government. Moscow failed to specify the reason for such a designation. Let alone justification, Russia also did not say anything as to which nation was funding the WWF. The Russian branch of the WWF deemed the designation of a "foreign agent" as "unjustified" and said that it would work to get it reversed in court. This month, more than 60 environmental organisations signed a petition asking Russian President Vladimir Putin to remove the WWF's designation as a foreign agent on the grounds that it is 'apolitical'. "We are convinced that this decision will have a negative impact on the preservation of the unique nature of our country and believe it should be reversed," the signatories said. Also Read | Countdown begins for ISRO's largest LVM3 rocket launch This year's Earth Hour is important, especially after a year of devastating extreme weather events, and energy crisis based on fossil dependencies and constantly changing political priorities. When Earth Hour was first observed in 2007, more than two million Sydney homes turned off their lights to send a message to all of humanity. WATCH | China on a diplomatic blitz as Ukraine war rages | Peace plan too vague to make a difference? | WION One year later, 370 communities across 35 nations, spanning 18 time zones, participated. In 2014, many iconic places such as the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Colosseum in Rome, the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, and the Eiffel Tower in Paris were among the famous sites that were left in the dark for one hour. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia to skip Earth Hour 2023, designates WWF a foreign agent

Conservationists from Wildlife charity World Wildlife Fund and the London Zoo are warning of a massive loss of global animal biodiversity. Their joint reports published on Thursday says that monitoring groups have recorded a drop in animal population.

WION Climate Tracker: World Wildlife fund highlights 10 priority areas

Find out things that the World Wildlife Fund recommended to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Non-vegetarians, will you make changes to save Earth?

WWF on Tuesday said that plastic is impacting almost all parts of the ocean and called for immediate efforts to create an international treaty. As per their report, 88% of marine species are being affected by severe contamination of plastic in the ocean, including animals commonly consumed by humans.

Plastic pollution rising at an alarming rate, affecting 88% of marine species

China said it has temporarily banned fishing for squids in parts of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans amid reports of overfishing which was led to scarcity.

According to a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) report, unregulated fishing in the Indian Ocean is on the rise. The WWF report said fishing off the coast of Oman had grown 830 per cent in five years which was mostly done by<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinese-factory-ship-trawlers-pose-a-threat-to-pakistans-local-fishermen-391194"> Chinese-flagged</a> fishing vessels.

Watch:

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As the demand for seafood continues to rise, the WWF said China's squid operations is conducted widely in the eastern Pacific and the South Atlantic.

According to the WWF, a rapid escalation of "unregulated squid fishing" poses a threat not only to the squid but also to the food chain since squid is a major source of food for tuna.

China reportedly accounts for 70 per cent of global squid catch and its ships sail far and wide looking for the fish while travelling as far as West African and Latin American waters.

Reports said China is set to temporarily ban squid operations in the southwest Atlantic until September 30 including in parts of the Pacific from September to November.

China's distant-water fishing fleet is the largest in the world, according to a report. The fleet is "highly fragmented" and registered in other jurisdictions.

The report by Overseas Development Institute(ODI) said that China had 16,966 vessels which is five or eight times larger than previous estimates with most trawlers in the northwest Pacific with several taking part in unregulated and unreported fishing.

A report by NGO Oceana published this month had revealed that 800 foreign vessels from China, Taiwan, South Korea and Spain had conducted 900,000 hours of fishing near Argentina’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The report said ships have been turning off their satellite tracking systems for extended periods in an attempt to catch more fish with the Chinese fleet responsible for the most number of "gap events".

Argentina has had major problems with illegal trawlers around its waters.

In 2016, Argentina had sunk a Chinese trawler after authorities said it was fishing illegally. The Argentinian authorities fired warning shots as it chased and sank the vessel. The Chinese government at the time had expressed serious concern over the incident as it called for an investigation.

(With inputs from Agencies)

China said it has temporarily banned fishing for squids in parts of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans amid reports of overfishing which was led to scarcity. According to a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) report, unregulated fishing in the Indian Ocean is on the rise.

China said it has temporarily banned fishing for squids in parts of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans amid reports of overfishing which was led to scarcity. According to a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) report, unregulated fishing in the Indian Ocean is on the rise. The WWF report said fishing off the coast of Oman had grown 830 per cent in five years which was mostly done by Chinese-flagged fishing vessels. Watch: As the demand for seafood continues to rise, the WWF said China's squid operations is conducted widely in the eastern Pacific and the South Atlantic. According to the WWF, a rapid escalation of "unregulated squid fishing" poses a threat not only to the squid but also to the food chain since squid is a major source of food for tuna. China reportedly accounts for 70 per cent of global squid catch and its ships sail far and wide looking for the fish while travelling as far as West African and Latin American waters. Reports said China is set to temporarily ban squid operations in the southwest Atlantic until September 30 including in parts of the Pacific from September to November. China's distant-water fishing fleet is the largest in the world, according to a report. The fleet is "highly fragmented" and registered in other jurisdictions. The report by Overseas Development Institute(ODI) said that China had 16,966 vessels which is five or eight times larger than previous estimates with most trawlers in the northwest Pacific with several taking part in unregulated and unreported fishing. A report by NGO Oceana published this month had revealed that 800 foreign vessels from China, Taiwan, South Korea and Spain had conducted 900,000 hours of fishing near Argentina’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The report said ships have been turning off their satellite tracking systems for extended periods in an attempt to catch more fish with the Chinese fleet responsible for the most number of "gap events". Argentina has had major problems with illegal trawlers around its waters. In 2016, Argentina had sunk a Chinese trawler after authorities said it was fishing illegally. The Argentinian authorities fired warning shots as it chased and sank the vessel. The Chinese government at the time had expressed serious concern over the incident as it called for an investigation. (With inputs from Agencies)

China to temporarily ban squid fishing in parts of Pacific and Atlantic Oceans

Havana Zoo introduces Cuba's first Yanek, a rare white tiger

As climate activists raise concerns about the disappearing greens from the face of the Earth, research has revealed that an area of forest the size of France has been regrown over the years.

As per research conducted by Trillion Trees led by WWF, nearly 59 million hectares of forests have regrown since the year 2000 all over the world.

This study was commissioned in 2018 and used satellite imaging data and also conducted on-ground surveys in dozens of countries. Through this, the researchers identified areas such as the Atlantic forest in Brazil where greens gave regrown the size of the Netherlands.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/marine-animals-thought-extinct-for-273-million-years-found-in-pacific-ocean-384121" hreflang="en">Marine animals thought extinct for 273 million years found in Pacific Ocean!</a>

"The&nbsp;Mata Atlântica, or Atlantic Forest, along the coast of South America was once one of the natural wonders of the world. Stretching from Northern Brazil to Argentina, it occupied more than a million square kilometres, harbouring an unparalleled variety of life," the study read.

The boreal forests of Mongolia have also seen regrowth of nearly 1.2mn hectares of forest. This has been possible solely due to the Mongolian government and a group of conservationists. Similarly, central Africa and Canada have also seen the regrowth of forests.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/deforestation-of-brazilian-amazon-hits-record-in-april-383654" hreflang="en">Deforestation of Brazilian Amazon hits record in April</a>

Researchers are hoping this research will help experts "understand the local parameters that may have allowed or encouraged natural regeneration," stated the report.

While the regrowth has come as a good sign, the researchers have warned that the Earth is still losing forests "at a terrifying rate".

A few previous researchers have warned that due to deforestation, the world is losing at least forest area as big as the UK every year, which is mainly to fulfil the demand for timber and for agricultural activities.

"The science is clear – if we are to avoid dangerous climate change and turn around the loss of nature, we must both halt deforestation and restore natural forests," said William Baldwin-Cantello, director of nature-based solutions at WWF. "We've known for a long time that natural forest regeneration is often cheaper, richer in carbon and better for biodiversity than actively planted forests, and this research tells us where and why regeneration is happening, and how we can recreate those conditions elsewhere."

However, he also warned that regeneration cannot be taken for granted as deforestation is still one of the biggest problems the Earth faces.

As climate activists raise concerns about the disappearing greens from the face of the Earth, research has revealed that an area of forest the size of France has been regrown over the years.

As climate activists raise concerns about the disappearing greens from the face of the Earth, research has revealed that an area of forest the size of France has been regrown over the years. As per research conducted by Trillion Trees led by WWF, nearly 59 million hectares of forests have regrown since the year 2000 all over the world. This study was commissioned in 2018 and used satellite imaging data and also conducted on-ground surveys in dozens of countries. Through this, the researchers identified areas such as the Atlantic forest in Brazil where greens gave regrown the size of the Netherlands. Also read | Marine animals thought extinct for 273 million years found in Pacific Ocean! "The Mata Atlântica, or Atlantic Forest, along the coast of South America was once one of the natural wonders of the world. Stretching from Northern Brazil to Argentina, it occupied more than a million square kilometres, harbouring an unparalleled variety of life," the study read. The boreal forests of Mongolia have also seen regrowth of nearly 1.2mn hectares of forest. This has been possible solely due to the Mongolian government and a group of conservationists. Similarly, central Africa and Canada have also seen the regrowth of forests. Also read | Deforestation of Brazilian Amazon hits record in April Researchers are hoping this research will help experts "understand the local parameters that may have allowed or encouraged natural regeneration," stated the report. While the regrowth has come as a good sign, the researchers have warned that the Earth is still losing forests "at a terrifying rate". A few previous researchers have warned that due to deforestation, the world is losing at least forest area as big as the UK every year, which is mainly to fulfil the demand for timber and for agricultural activities. "The science is clear – if we are to avoid dangerous climate change and turn around the loss of nature, we must both halt deforestation and restore natural forests," said William Baldwin-Cantello, director of nature-based solutions at WWF. "We've known for a long time that natural forest regeneration is often cheaper, richer in carbon and better for biodiversity than actively planted forests, and this research tells us where and why regeneration is happening, and how we can recreate those conditions elsewhere." However, he also warned that regeneration cannot be taken for granted as deforestation is still one of the biggest problems the Earth faces.

France-sized forest regrown over 20 years: Study

A piece of Australian outback which is almost bigger than greater London has converted in the national park. This national park will protect threatened species, authorities said Saturday, in a move welcomed by green groups.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-to-exempt-quarantine-for-arrivals-from-low-covid-19-risk-countries-309058" hreflang="en">United Kingdom to exempt quarantine for arrivals from low COVID-19 risk countries</a>

Narrierra Station is situated in northwest New South Wales. The outback is a 1,534-square kilometre (592-square-mile) vast property. It is the biggest purchase of private land for national parks ever made by the state government, Environment Minister Matt Kean said.

It stretches across floodplains, wetlands and landscapes "currently not found anywhere in NSW national parks", he added.&nbsp;

The price tag for the property is still unknown.

"Narriearra is an important refuge for threatened wildlife, with more than 25 threatened animal species, including nearly 90 per cent of NSW's critical habitat and breeding areas for the nationally endangered Grey Grasswren," said Kean.

Several indigenous artefacts, tools and stone arrangements have been found in the area and local Aboriginal Land Council has been invited to suggest a name for the park, he added.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) welcomed the new park.

"This new National Park is an example of the ambitious action required to slow and reverse the biodiversity extinction crisis," WWF Australia's Stuart Blanch said but added NSW needed to do more.

Stuart has urged the government to employ people from the indigenous community to manage the land and protect important sites.&nbsp;

Conservation organisation Pew Charitable Trusts also hailed the move.

"The Outback landscapes in western New South Wales have not been highly protected and the scale of this historic purchase is exciting," the group's Australian director Barry Traill said.

A piece of Australian outback which is almost bigger than greater London has converted in the national park. This national park will protect threatened species, authorities said Saturday, in a move welcomed by green groups.

A piece of Australian outback which is almost bigger than greater London has converted in the national park. This national park will protect threatened species, authorities said Saturday, in a move welcomed by green groups. Also read: United Kingdom to exempt quarantine for arrivals from low COVID-19 risk countries Narrierra Station is situated in northwest New South Wales. The outback is a 1,534-square kilometre (592-square-mile) vast property. It is the biggest purchase of private land for national parks ever made by the state government, Environment Minister Matt Kean said. It stretches across floodplains, wetlands and landscapes "currently not found anywhere in NSW national parks", he added. The price tag for the property is still unknown. "Narriearra is an important refuge for threatened wildlife, with more than 25 threatened animal species, including nearly 90 per cent of NSW's critical habitat and breeding areas for the nationally endangered Grey Grasswren," said Kean. Several indigenous artefacts, tools and stone arrangements have been found in the area and local Aboriginal Land Council has been invited to suggest a name for the park, he added. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) welcomed the new park. "This new National Park is an example of the ambitious action required to slow and reverse the biodiversity extinction crisis," WWF Australia's Stuart Blanch said but added NSW needed to do more. Stuart has urged the government to employ people from the indigenous community to manage the land and protect important sites. Conservation organisation Pew Charitable Trusts also hailed the move. "The Outback landscapes in western New South Wales have not been highly protected and the scale of this historic purchase is exciting," the group's Australian director Barry Traill said.

Australian outback station turned into national park to protect threatened species

Humanity's next test: Feeding 10 billion without ruining Earth

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - May 5th, 2019

Volunteers from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) staged a demonstration in Paris on Saturday to raise awareness on the extent of the loss of biodiversity due to human activities. Watch this video to know more.

WWF sounds alarm on biodiversity loss

A team of United Nations and&nbsp; World Wildlife Fund will visit Balakot in Pakistan today to take a witness account on the loss of trees in the strikes by India earlier, officials from Pakistan's Ministry of climate change&nbsp;told WION.

Tensions have been high between India and Pakistan after around 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14, the responsibility of which has been claimed by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/radar-satellite-images-of-iaf-strikes-in-balakot-show-significant-damage-sources-201636">Radar, satellite images of IAF strike on Pakistan's Balakot show 'significant damage'</a>

In retaliation, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-pilots-werent-supposed-to-land-and-count-number-of-terrorists-killed-in-balakot-rajnath-singh-201634">Indian Air Force carried out anti-terror strikes</a> at a JeM terror training camp in Pakistan's Balakot last week, in which a large number of terrorists were killed, according to Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.

Following the IAF strikes, Pakistan was planning to lodge a complaint against India at the United Nations, accusing it of "eco-terrorism".

Climate Change Minister Malik Amin Aslam had said Indian jets bombed a "forest reserve" and the government was undertaking an environmental impact assessment, which will be the basis of a complaint at the United Nations and other forums.

Today, officials from the&nbsp;Pakistani ministry of climate change told WION&nbsp;that&nbsp;"a total of 19 trees were severely damaged due to the Balakot air strikes last week".

The United Nations states that "destruction of the environment, not justified by military necessity and carried out wantonly, is clearly contrary to existing international law", according to the UN&nbsp;General Assembly resolution 47/37.

In the wake of Pulwama terror attack, there is mounting international pressure on Pakistan to cease providing support and a safe haven to terrorists and terror outfits.

(With inputs from news agencies)

A team of United Nations and World Wildlife Fund will visit Balakot in Pakistan today to take a witness account on the loss of trees in the strikes by India earlier, officials from Pakistan's Ministry of climate change told WION.

A team of United Nations and World Wildlife Fund will visit Balakot in Pakistan today to take a witness account on the loss of trees in the strikes by India earlier, officials from Pakistan's Ministry of climate change told WION. Tensions have been high between India and Pakistan after around 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14, the responsibility of which has been claimed by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Also read: Radar, satellite images of IAF strike on Pakistan's Balakot show 'significant damage' In retaliation, the Indian Air Force carried out anti-terror strikes at a JeM terror training camp in Pakistan's Balakot last week, in which a large number of terrorists were killed, according to Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale. Following the IAF strikes, Pakistan was planning to lodge a complaint against India at the United Nations, accusing it of "eco-terrorism". Climate Change Minister Malik Amin Aslam had said Indian jets bombed a "forest reserve" and the government was undertaking an environmental impact assessment, which will be the basis of a complaint at the United Nations and other forums. Today, officials from the Pakistani ministry of climate change told WION that "a total of 19 trees were severely damaged due to the Balakot air strikes last week". The United Nations states that "destruction of the environment, not justified by military necessity and carried out wantonly, is clearly contrary to existing international law", according to the UN General Assembly resolution 47/37. In the wake of Pulwama terror attack, there is mounting international pressure on Pakistan to cease providing support and a safe haven to terrorists and terror outfits. (With inputs from news agencies)

Pakistan: UN, WWF team to visit Balakot to account 'loss' of trees due to IAF strikes

Indian wildlife experts have urged the government to be vigilant against poaching of tigers and rhinos after China eased a 25-year ban on the trade of body parts of the animals, and said New Delhi should also raise their concern with Beijing at international fora.

They said the decision by China is likely to result in decline in the population of the animals and has potential "grave and devastating" implications for tiger and rhino conservation in India.

According to media reports, China has partially lifted the ban on the use of tiger bones and rhino horns for medicinal uses. The ban was imposed in 1993 to save the endangered species.

Dipankar Ghose, director-species and landscapes programme at WWF-India Secretariat, said the consequences of such a reversal is likely to adversely affect the population of the two species across the globe.

According to a latest survey, India has 2,226 tigers and 3,500 rhinos are left in both India and Nepal.

"People involved in illegal wildlife trade of tiger bones and rhino horns might target the wild populations in India. Our country, with 60 per cent and 85 per cent of global populations of wild tigers and greater one-horned rhinos respectively, will be under threat of poaching.

"India and other tiger range countries are committed to doubling populations of wild tigers under the ambitious Global Tiger Recovery Programme, and reversal of this ban on commercial trade of tiger bones would have devastating implications on reaching the Tx2 goal," Ghose said.

Tx2 is a 12-year ambition to double wild tiger numbers by 2022, the next year of the tiger.

Ghose said the ban on trade of tiger bones and rhino horns in China had reduced the demand, and as a result there was less pressure on the population of wild tigers and rhinos.

"The Environment Ministry along with the state governments would need to strengthen protection of wild tiger and rhino populations and be vigilant against poaching. It would also need collaboration between enforcement agencies at central and state level for curbing illegal trade in tiger and rhino derivatives," he said.

Gajender K Sharma, another wildlife expert, said China's reversal of the ban has "potential grave implications" for the conservation and welfare of tigers and rhinos in India.

"We urge the Indian government to voice their concern on this matter with the Chinese government via fora like the Global Tiger Forum. We also urge the government to take steps to prevent any poaching incidents that may happen in the future as an impact of this decision," said Sharma, India country director, World Animal Protection.

Elaborating the implications of the Chinese decision, Sharma said this may result in these species being poached in the wild to fuel a renewed demand in products containing body parts of the animals and also enhance the possibility that it may stimulate a demand for these products in India.

"Either way, this relaxation appears to be a retrogressive step that is not in the best interest of tigers and rhinos in India and elsewhere wherever they are found," Sharma added.&nbsp;

Indian wildlife experts have urged the government to be vigilant against poaching of tigers and rhinos after China eased a 25-year ban on the trade of body parts of the animals, and said New Delhi should also raise their concern with Beijing at international fora.

Indian wildlife experts have urged the government to be vigilant against poaching of tigers and rhinos after China eased a 25-year ban on the trade of body parts of the animals, and said New Delhi should also raise their concern with Beijing at international fora. They said the decision by China is likely to result in decline in the population of the animals and has potential "grave and devastating" implications for tiger and rhino conservation in India. According to media reports, China has partially lifted the ban on the use of tiger bones and rhino horns for medicinal uses. The ban was imposed in 1993 to save the endangered species. Dipankar Ghose, director-species and landscapes programme at WWF-India Secretariat, said the consequences of such a reversal is likely to adversely affect the population of the two species across the globe. According to a latest survey, India has 2,226 tigers and 3,500 rhinos are left in both India and Nepal. "People involved in illegal wildlife trade of tiger bones and rhino horns might target the wild populations in India. Our country, with 60 per cent and 85 per cent of global populations of wild tigers and greater one-horned rhinos respectively, will be under threat of poaching. "India and other tiger range countries are committed to doubling populations of wild tigers under the ambitious Global Tiger Recovery Programme, and reversal of this ban on commercial trade of tiger bones would have devastating implications on reaching the Tx2 goal," Ghose said. Tx2 is a 12-year ambition to double wild tiger numbers by 2022, the next year of the tiger. Ghose said the ban on trade of tiger bones and rhino horns in China had reduced the demand, and as a result there was less pressure on the population of wild tigers and rhinos. "The Environment Ministry along with the state governments would need to strengthen protection of wild tiger and rhino populations and be vigilant against poaching. It would also need collaboration between enforcement agencies at central and state level for curbing illegal trade in tiger and rhino derivatives," he said. Gajender K Sharma, another wildlife expert, said China's reversal of the ban has "potential grave implications" for the conservation and welfare of tigers and rhinos in India. "We urge the Indian government to voice their concern on this matter with the Chinese government via fora like the Global Tiger Forum. We also urge the government to take steps to prevent any poaching incidents that may happen in the future as an impact of this decision," said Sharma, India country director, World Animal Protection. Elaborating the implications of the Chinese decision, Sharma said this may result in these species being poached in the wild to fuel a renewed demand in products containing body parts of the animals and also enhance the possibility that it may stimulate a demand for these products in India. "Either way, this relaxation appears to be a retrogressive step that is not in the best interest of tigers and rhinos in India and elsewhere wherever they are found," Sharma added.

Experts fear China lifting ban on tiger, rhino parts may intensify poaching in India

WION Fineprint: 60% of wildlife wiped out around the world in last four decades, reports WWF

Unbridled consumption has <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/rising-mercury-levels-in-india-posing-threat-to-indias-wildlife--138386">decimated global wildlife</a>, triggered a mass extinction and exhausted Earth's capacity to accommodate humanity's expanding appetites, the conservation group WWF warned Tuesday.

From 1970 to 2014, 60 percent of all animals with a backbone -- fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals -- were <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-23-asiatic-lions-die-in-gir-forest-five-from-rare-virus-169713">wiped out</a> by human activity, according to WWF's "Living Planet" report, based on an ongoing survey of more than 4,000 species spread over 16,700 populations scattered across the globe.

"The situation is really bad, and it keeps getting worse," WWF International director general Marco Lambertini told AFP.

"The only good news is that we know exactly what is happening."

For freshwater fauna, the decline in population over the 44 years monitored was a staggering 80 percent. Regionally, Latin America was hit hardest, seeing a nearly 90 percent loss of wildlife over the same period.

Another dataset confirmed the depth of an unfolding mass extinction event, only the sixth in the last half-billion years.&nbsp;

Depending on which of Earth's lifeforms are included, the current rate of species loss is 100 to 1,000 times higher than only a few hundred years ago, when people began to alter Earth's chemistry and crowd other creatures out of existence.

Measured by weight, or biomass, wild animals today only account for four percent of mammals on Earth, with humans (36 percent) and livestock (60 percent) making up the rest.

The great acceleration

Ten thousand years ago that ratio was probably reversed. &nbsp;

"The statistics are scary," said Piero Visconti, a researcher at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Austria and one of 59 co-authors of the 80-page report.

"Unlike population declines, extinctions are irreversible."

For corals, it may already be too late.

Back-to-back marine heatwaves have already wiped out up to half of the globe's shallow-water reefs, which support a quarter of all marine life.

Even if humanity manages to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) -- mission impossible, according to some scientists -- coral mortality will likely be 70 to 90 percent.

A 2C world would be a death sentence, a major UN report concluded last month.&nbsp;

Half-a-century of conservation efforts have scored spectacular successes, with significant recoveries among tigers, manatees, grizzly bears, bluefin tuna and bald eagles.

"If we didn't make those efforts, the situation would have been much worse," Lambertini said.

But the onslaught of hunting, shrinking habitat, pollution, illegal trade and climate change -- all caused by humans -- has been too much to overcome, he acknowledged.&nbsp;

"Scientists call it the 'great acceleration'," he said in a phone interview.&nbsp;

"It is the exponential growth over the last 50 years in the use of energy, water, timber, fish, food, fertiliser, pesticides, minerals, plastics –- everything."

'New deal' for nature 
The pace of population increase -- long taboo in development and conservation circles -- also took off around 1950, the date scientists have chosen as the "gold spike," or starting point, for a new geological period dubbed the Anthropocene, or "age of man".

In looking for answers, conservationists are turning to climate change for inspiration.

"We need a new global deal for nature," said Lambertini, noting two key ingredients in the 195-nation Paris climate treaty.

"One was the realisation that climate change was dangerous for the economy and society, not just polar bears," he said.

Similarly, he argued, threatened ecosystem services long taken for granted -- drinkable water, breathable air, heat-absorbing oceans, forests that soak up CO2, productive soil -- are worth tens of trillions of dollars every year.

"A healthy, sustainable future for all is only possible on a planet where nature thrives and forests, oceans and rivers are teeming with biodiversity and life," said Lambertini.

The Paris Agreement, negotiated under the UN convention on climate change, also set a clear target: global warming must be held to "well below" 2C, and 1.5C if possible.

The parallel UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), by contrast, has lots of targets running out to 2020 which are not only too weak, but -- with one possible exception -- will probably not be met, Lambertini said.

"The CBD is failing," he told AFP. But an upcoming meeting of the 195-nation body could be the beginning of a "revolution" that will see the Convention re-engineered in 2020 into "a new deal for Nature."

Unbridled consumption has decimated global wildlife, triggered a mass extinction and exhausted Earth's capacity to accommodate humanity's expanding appetites, the conservation group WWF warned Tuesday.

Unbridled consumption has decimated global wildlife, triggered a mass extinction and exhausted Earth's capacity to accommodate humanity's expanding appetites, the conservation group WWF warned Tuesday. From 1970 to 2014, 60 percent of all animals with a backbone -- fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals -- were wiped out by human activity, according to WWF's "Living Planet" report, based on an ongoing survey of more than 4,000 species spread over 16,700 populations scattered across the globe. "The situation is really bad, and it keeps getting worse," WWF International director general Marco Lambertini told AFP. "The only good news is that we know exactly what is happening." For freshwater fauna, the decline in population over the 44 years monitored was a staggering 80 percent. Regionally, Latin America was hit hardest, seeing a nearly 90 percent loss of wildlife over the same period. Another dataset confirmed the depth of an unfolding mass extinction event, only the sixth in the last half-billion years. Depending on which of Earth's lifeforms are included, the current rate of species loss is 100 to 1,000 times higher than only a few hundred years ago, when people began to alter Earth's chemistry and crowd other creatures out of existence. Measured by weight, or biomass, wild animals today only account for four percent of mammals on Earth, with humans (36 percent) and livestock (60 percent) making up the rest. The great acceleration Ten thousand years ago that ratio was probably reversed. "The statistics are scary," said Piero Visconti, a researcher at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Austria and one of 59 co-authors of the 80-page report. "Unlike population declines, extinctions are irreversible." For corals, it may already be too late. Back-to-back marine heatwaves have already wiped out up to half of the globe's shallow-water reefs, which support a quarter of all marine life. Even if humanity manages to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) -- mission impossible, according to some scientists -- coral mortality will likely be 70 to 90 percent. A 2C world would be a death sentence, a major UN report concluded last month. Half-a-century of conservation efforts have scored spectacular successes, with significant recoveries among tigers, manatees, grizzly bears, bluefin tuna and bald eagles. "If we didn't make those efforts, the situation would have been much worse," Lambertini said. But the onslaught of hunting, shrinking habitat, pollution, illegal trade and climate change -- all caused by humans -- has been too much to overcome, he acknowledged. "Scientists call it the 'great acceleration'," he said in a phone interview. "It is the exponential growth over the last 50 years in the use of energy, water, timber, fish, food, fertiliser, pesticides, minerals, plastics –- everything." 'New deal' for nature The pace of population increase -- long taboo in development and conservation circles -- also took off around 1950, the date scientists have chosen as the "gold spike," or starting point, for a new geological period dubbed the Anthropocene, or "age of man". In looking for answers, conservationists are turning to climate change for inspiration. "We need a new global deal for nature," said Lambertini, noting two key ingredients in the 195-nation Paris climate treaty. "One was the realisation that climate change was dangerous for the economy and society, not just polar bears," he said. Similarly, he argued, threatened ecosystem services long taken for granted -- drinkable water, breathable air, heat-absorbing oceans, forests that soak up CO2, productive soil -- are worth tens of trillions of dollars every year. "A healthy, sustainable future for all is only possible on a planet where nature thrives and forests, oceans and rivers are teeming with biodiversity and life," said Lambertini. The Paris Agreement, negotiated under the UN convention on climate change, also set a clear target: global warming must be held to "well below" 2C, and 1.5C if possible. The parallel UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), by contrast, has lots of targets running out to 2020 which are not only too weak, but -- with one possible exception -- will probably not be met, Lambertini said. "The CBD is failing," he told AFP. But an upcoming meeting of the 195-nation body could be the beginning of a "revolution" that will see the Convention re-engineered in 2020 into "a new deal for Nature."

In 44 years, humans have wiped out 60% of the world's animal population: WWF

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/earths-wild-animal-population-plummets-60-per-cent-in-44-years-wwf-174289">In 40 years, humans have wiped out 60% of the world's animal population: WWF</a>

Unbridled consumption has decimated global wildlife, triggered a mass extinction and exhausted Earth's capacity to accommodate humanity's expanding appetites, the conservation group WWF warned Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-fiancee-hits-at-trump-response-warns-of-money-influence-174297">Khashoggi fiancee slams Trump response to </a><a class="gr-progress" href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-fiancee-hits-at-trump-response-warns-of-money-influence-174297">killing</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-fiancee-hits-at-trump-response-warns-of-money-influence-174297">, tells him to set aside trade interests</a>

The fiancée of Jamal Khashoggi on Monday criticized President Donald Trump’s response to his killing, urging him to set aside US trade interests in the push for truth, and demanded Riyadh disclose more details to bring those who ordered it to justice.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-1-lakh-children-under-five-died-due-to-toxic-air-in-2016-who-study-174295">Over 100,000 Indian children under 5 died from air pollution in 2016: WHO</a>

Over one lakh children under five years of age died in India in 2016 due to exposure to toxic air, according to a new WHO study which noted that about 98 per cent of children in the same age group in low- and middle-income countries were exposed to air pollution.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fuel-prices-drop-for-13th-straight-day-petrol-at-rs-7955-per-litre-in-delhi-174298">Fuel prices continue to drop, petrol at Rs 79.55 per </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fuel-prices-drop-for-13th-straight-day-petrol-at-rs-7955-per-litre-in-delhi-174298">litre</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fuel-prices-drop-for-13th-straight-day-petrol-at-rs-7955-per-litre-in-delhi-174298"> in Delhi</a>

Fuel prices in the national capital dropped for the thirteenth consecutive day on Tuesday as petrol prices stood at Rs 79.55 per litre, down by Rs 0.20 paise, and diesel prices at Rs. 73.73, down by Rs 0.07 paise.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-interviews-indian-american-woman-to-replace-kavanaugh-in-dc-circuit-court-174293">Trump interviews Indian-American woman to replace Kavanaugh in DC circuit court</a>

US President Donald Trump has interviewed an Indian-American woman to replace Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in the powerful federal appeals court in Washington, DC, according to a report.

In 40 years, humans have wiped out 60% of the world's animal population: WWF Unbridled consumption has decimated global wildlife, triggered a mass extinction and exhausted Earth's capacity to accommodate humanity's expanding appetites, the conservation group WWF warned Tuesday.

In 40 years, humans have wiped out 60% of the world's animal population: WWF Unbridled consumption has decimated global wildlife, triggered a mass extinction and exhausted Earth's capacity to accommodate humanity's expanding appetites, the conservation group WWF warned Tuesday. Khashoggi fiancee slams Trump response to killing, tells him to set aside trade interests The fiancée of Jamal Khashoggi on Monday criticized President Donald Trump’s response to his killing, urging him to set aside US trade interests in the push for truth, and demanded Riyadh disclose more details to bring those who ordered it to justice. Over 100,000 Indian children under 5 died from air pollution in 2016: WHO Over one lakh children under five years of age died in India in 2016 due to exposure to toxic air, according to a new WHO study which noted that about 98 per cent of children in the same age group in low- and middle-income countries were exposed to air pollution. Fuel prices continue to drop, petrol at Rs 79.55 per litre in Delhi Fuel prices in the national capital dropped for the thirteenth consecutive day on Tuesday as petrol prices stood at Rs 79.55 per litre, down by Rs 0.20 paise, and diesel prices at Rs. 73.73, down by Rs 0.07 paise. Trump interviews Indian-American woman to replace Kavanaugh in DC circuit court US President Donald Trump has interviewed an Indian-American woman to replace Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in the powerful federal appeals court in Washington, DC, according to a report.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Global warming could place 25 to 50 per cent of species in the Amazon, Madagascar and other biodiverse areas at risk of localised extinction within decades, a report said Wednesday.

The lower projection is based on a mercury rise of two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) over pre-Industrial Revolution levels -- the warming ceiling the world&#39;s nations agreed on in 2015.&nbsp;

The highest is for out-of-control warming of 4.5 C.

&quot;Global biodiversity will suffer terribly over the next century unless we do everything we can,&quot; said conservation group WWF, which commissioned the analysis published in science journal Climatic Change.

&quot;We must keep average global temperatures down to the absolute minimum.&quot;

The report focused on 33 so-called &quot;Priority Places&quot; which host some of the world&#39;s richest and most unusual terrestrial species, including iconic, endangered, or endemic plants and animals.

They include southern Chile, the eastern Himalayas, South Africa&#39;s unique Fynbos ecoregion, Borneo, Sumatra, the Namibian desert, West Africa, southwest Australia, coastal east Africa, and southern Africa&#39;s Miombo Woodlands, home to African wild dogs.

The team looked at the impact of climate change on nearly 80,000 terrestrial plant, mammal, bird, amphibian, and reptile species.

At warming of 4.5 C, based on a &quot;business-as-usual&quot; scenario of no emissions cuts, the Amazon could risk the local extinction of 69 per cent of its plant species.&nbsp;

The Miombo Woodlands risks losing 90 per cent of its amphibians, 86 per cent of birds, and 80 per cent of mammals, according to the report.

Under the 2015 Paris Agreement, countries made voluntary pledges to curb planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from burning coal, oil and natural gas.

New normal

But even if those pledges are met, scientists predict warming over 3 C, a recipe for disastrous climate change-triggered sea level rises, superstorms, floods, and droughts.

Warming of 3.2 C would place about 37 per cent of species in Priority Places at risk of local extinction, said a WWF statement.

&quot;Even with the emissions cuts pledged under the Paris Agreement, temperatures that were extreme in the past are set to be the new normal in all Priority Places,&quot; it added -- in some as early as 2030.

Limiting warming to 2 C would enable many species to continue inhabiting the areas they currently occupy, according to the report.

And if animals can move freely -- not constrained by roads, fences, or human settlements -- the proportion of species at extinction risk at warming of 2 C drops from 25 to 20 per cent.

The report comes ahead of a major meeting of the IPBES inter-governmental panel in Medellin, Colombia, where scientists and governments will release five assessments of the state of biodiversity.

Extinction is not simply about the disappearance of species, said the WWF, &quot;but about profound changes to ecosystems that provide vital services to hundreds of millions of people.&quot;

Job- and revenue-generating tourism would suffer greatly if species disappear, and as-yet-undiscovered medicines from plants forever lost.

&quot;Put simply, we have to stop burning fossil fuels,&quot; said the WWF.

The lower projection is based on a mercury rise of two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) over pre-Industrial Revolution levels -- the warming ceiling the world's nations agreed on in 2015

Global warming could place 25 to 50 per cent of species in the Amazon, Madagascar and other biodiverse areas at risk of localised extinction within decades, a report said Wednesday. The lower projection is based on a mercury rise of two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) over pre-Industrial Revolution levels -- the warming ceiling the world's nations agreed on in 2015. The highest is for out-of-control warming of 4.5 C. "Global biodiversity will suffer terribly over the next century unless we do everything we can," said conservation group WWF, which commissioned the analysis published in science journal Climatic Change. "We must keep average global temperatures down to the absolute minimum." The report focused on 33 so-called "Priority Places" which host some of the world's richest and most unusual terrestrial species, including iconic, endangered, or endemic plants and animals. They include southern Chile, the eastern Himalayas, South Africa's unique Fynbos ecoregion, Borneo, Sumatra, the Namibian desert, West Africa, southwest Australia, coastal east Africa, and southern Africa's Miombo Woodlands, home to African wild dogs. The team looked at the impact of climate change on nearly 80,000 terrestrial plant, mammal, bird, amphibian, and reptile species. At warming of 4.5 C, based on a "business-as-usual" scenario of no emissions cuts, the Amazon could risk the local extinction of 69 per cent of its plant species. The Miombo Woodlands risks losing 90 per cent of its amphibians, 86 per cent of birds, and 80 per cent of mammals, according to the report. Under the 2015 Paris Agreement, countries made voluntary pledges to curb planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from burning coal, oil and natural gas. New normal But even if those pledges are met, scientists predict warming over 3 C, a recipe for disastrous climate change-triggered sea level rises, superstorms, floods, and droughts. Warming of 3.2 C would place about 37 per cent of species in Priority Places at risk of local extinction, said a WWF statement. "Even with the emissions cuts pledged under the Paris Agreement, temperatures that were extreme in the past are set to be the new normal in all Priority Places," it added -- in some as early as 2030. Limiting warming to 2 C would enable many species to continue inhabiting the areas they currently occupy, according to the report. And if animals can move freely -- not constrained by roads, fences, or human settlements -- the proportion of species at extinction risk at warming of 2 C drops from 25 to 20 per cent. The report comes ahead of a major meeting of the IPBES inter-governmental panel in Medellin, Colombia, where scientists and governments will release five assessments of the state of biodiversity. Extinction is not simply about the disappearance of species, said the WWF, "but about profound changes to ecosystems that provide vital services to hundreds of millions of people." Job- and revenue-generating tourism would suffer greatly if species disappear, and as-yet-undiscovered medicines from plants forever lost. "Put simply, we have to stop burning fossil fuels," said the WWF.

Warming could threaten half of species in 33 key areas: Report

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