Understanding biodiversity loss

A historical perspective

Understanding the history of biodiversity loss is crucial to grasping its significance today. Biodiversity loss occurs both locally and globally. Over time, the escalating rates of deforestation and habitat destruction brought it onto national and international agendas. This page explores this historical trajectory, focusing on how the issue gained prominence and the actions that have been taken, or not taken, to address it.

Current research & statistics

Gain insight into the scientific and social scientific research on biodiversity loss. I'll provide trends and statistics, highlighting the severity of the problem. Every year, 10–12 million hectares of forest vanish, nearly the size of Iceland. Agricultural Expansion, Logging, and Fires are the main drivers releasing carbon and destroying the foundation of countless ecosystems. Forests shelter around 80% of all land species. The IUCN estimates 1 million species face extinction, many tied directly to the loss of tropical and temperate forest habitats. Deforestation isn’t only an environmental problem, it’s a human one and forest loss drives poverty, displacement, and violence. In 2024 alone, over 120 environmental defenders were killed for protecting forests and communities. UNEP’s Global Environment Outlook 6 (2019) warns that deforestation continues at alarming rates despite decades of treaties and calls for stronger enforcement, financing, and global accountability to reverse biodiversity loss. Forest restoration helps biodiversity, climate, and people. Research shows that restoring entire ecosystems: soils, vegetation, and water systems creates resilient forests and sustainable communities. Agroforestry integrates trees into farms, improving soil, water retention, and carbon storage while boosting food security, connecting sustainable agriculture with biodiversity protection.