June 26th, 2024

Protecting just 1.2% of Earth could save most-threatened species, says study

A study proposes safeguarding 1.2% of Earth's land to avert species extinction. 16,825 global sites are identified for urgent conservation, stressing the significance of protecting habitats for rare species like the peyote cactus. Governments' commitment to preserving 30% of the planet contrasts with the study's finding that only 7% of new protected areas align with critical conservation sites. Investing $29bn-$46bn over five years is necessary, achievable through methods like land acquisition and Indigenous rights expansion. Immediate action is crucial to prevent extinctions and preserve biodiversity effectively.

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Protecting just 1.2% of Earth could save most-threatened species, says study

A recent study suggests that protecting just 1.2% of the Earth's land could prevent the extinction of the most threatened species. Researchers identified 16,825 sites worldwide that should be prioritized for conservation efforts in the next five years to save unique animals and plants. The study emphasizes the importance of safeguarding habitats for rare species, like the peyote cactus in North America. While governments have pledged to protect 30% of the planet for nature, the study found that only 7% of new protected areas between 2018 and 2023 overlapped with sites crucial for conservation. Protecting these key areas would require an investment of $29bn-$46bn over the next five years and could be achieved through various means such as land purchases and expanding Indigenous rights. The research highlights the need for immediate action to prevent extinctions and stresses that the location and effectiveness of protected areas are crucial in halting biodiversity loss.

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By @slimsag - 4 months
The Amazon rainforest is about 1% of earth.