Written by: Rashawn K. Merchant
What was once a distant occurrence is now upon us. The WWF released its biennial Living Planet Report, and we now know the world’s wildlife population has decreased by 70% within the past 50 years. The modern age of extinction is here. Scientists believe this rapid decrease in wildlife has closely followed the trend of altered climate and the vast growth and expansion of human infrastructure. Around the world, humans have continued to expand while increasing their presence and influence in previous spaces for animals.
The Living Planet Report is an analysis of 32,000 wildlife populations from 5,230 species used to measure the number of growth changes that have occurred. Animal populations in Latin America and the Caribbean have significantly declined. Between the two regions, the average loss has been 94%, in addition to global freshwater species seeing losses upwards of 83%. According to the WWF, the main factors in these population changes are habitat loss, climate change, and species exploitation.
During this time, human growth rates are steadily increasing. The United Nations has reported the world population is expected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050. This means we’d expect to see more environmental alterations and can anticipate rapid climate changes, with carbon emission trends expected to follow closely with growth. The best way to ensure successful cohabitation between humans and wildlife is by considering biodiversity when expanding cities.
Green infrastructure is the most effective solution to maintaining a balance between human growth and wildlife protection. The Environmental Protection Agency describes green infrastructure as a cost-effective way to manage pollution through water and soil systems by creating natural filtration methods. Green infrastructure can be integrated into communities through open park spaces, rain gardens, and soft pavement that filters out toxins that would otherwise run off into wildlife habitats. Green roofing has become popular in large cities such as New York. Green roofs cover industrial buildings with plant media that allow for rainfall infiltration and help lower cooling cost. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they provide areas for birds and insects to adapt.
To avoid further biodiversity disruption, humans should consider the sustainability of our growth and the protection of vulnerable species.
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