The loss of biodiversity was seen as a huge problem of the anthropocene - already before the Covid-19 pandemic started. Biodiversity is necessary in agriculture and for food provision, but also for the health of human beings or the environment. With the current pace of developments, the future of biodiversity seems dark, but we still have the chance to influence on the direction that will be decisive which one of the following futures will be closest to the reality:
Critical ecosystems are lost, the ‘natural’ ecosystems lose integrity and function. There was unchecked extinction and loss of genetic diversity. Even in 2050, extinction of species and populations is rapid. Critical ecosystems cannot adjust to climate change with huge impacts on natural surroundings of human beings, food production, soil health and further warming of soils and forests.
Uncertain future with strict ‘no net loss’, ‘natural‘ and ‘managed’ ecosystems keep functioning and the critical ecosystems are stabilized. Only species with too little habitat went extinct and many species were saved. Especially lifestock and plants used in agriculture are supported. Nevertheless, many of the old sorts are gone.
Road to recovery: there were strict ‘no net loss’ policies, targeted protection and restoration, which led to a net increase in ‘natural’ ecosystem area and integrity. Large numbers of species and much genetic diversity are saved or restorated. This stabilized species abundance and safeguards the ‘tree of life’. 90% of the culturally important species are conserved. The ecosystems are resilient.
More and more species are invading regions where they never have been before causing stress and the contamination of diseases between species, even new pandemics. Some species spread uncontrolled as they have no natural enemies in their new habitats - they destroy the living conditions and environments of other species and cause their extinction. In some regions, this disturbs the food chains for humans.
Source: Foresight on Demand