What is the Living Planet Report? A look at its latest findings

The world faces unprecedented environmental challenges and the Living Planet Report stands as a powerful reminder of the delicate balance between human activity and the natural world. 

This report offers a comprehensive snapshot of global biodiversity health, stressing the importance of corporate sustainability and individual action to avoid the consequences of ecosystem degradation, species loss, and the climate crisis.

What is the Living Planet Report? 

The Living Planet Report is a biennial publication by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). It provides an in-depth analysis of global biodiversity health and the state of the planet’s ecosystems. The report draws on data from the Living Planet Index (LPI), produced in collaboration with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), which tracks thousands of wildlife populations across the globe. 

By assessing trends in biodiversity and the pressures affecting it, the Living Planet Report aims to raise awareness of how human activity impacts the natural world. Ultimately, the Living Planet Report serves as a wake-up call to policymakers, businesses, and individuals, urging immediate action to protect biodiversity, promote sustainable practices, and mitigate climate change. 

Key findings from the latest report 

The latest Living Planet Report reveals alarming trends in biodiversity decline and environmental degradation, emphasising the urgent need for global action to protect ecosystems. Below are some of its key findings. 

Significant decline in wildlife populations

The report highlights a 69% average decline in monitored wildlife populations (mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish) since 1970. This decline varies by region, with Latin America experiencing the most dramatic loss, where some species populations have dropped by up to 94%. Freshwater species are particularly affected, showing an 83% decline, largely due to habitat loss, pollution, and overexploitation.

Primary drivers of biodiversity loss

The report identifies habitat loss and degradation, exploitation of species, climate change, pollution, and invasive species as the main drivers of biodiversity decline. It also noted that agricultural expansion, deforestation, and unsustainable fishing are major contributors, especially in tropical regions.

Climate change as a growing threat

Climate change is increasingly affecting biodiversity and ecosystems, with extreme weather events, changing temperatures, and altered precipitation patterns impacting species’ habitats and survival. The report warns that if global warming is not limited to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, many species and ecosystems face a high risk of collapse.

Impact on ecosystem services

The degradation of ecosystems threatens the essential services they provide, such as clean air, water purification, pollination, and carbon storage. For example, forests and oceans, which act as major carbon sinks, are under immense pressure, compromising their ability to mitigate climate change.

Human impact on the environment

The report notes that human activities have pushed four of the nine planetary boundaries beyond safe limits, including climate change, biosphere integrity (biodiversity loss), biogeochemical flows (nitrogen and phosphorus cycles), and land-system change. Moreover, the ecological footprint of high-income countries is particularly concerning, as it disproportionately drives biodiversity loss globally.

Importance of Indigenous and local communities

Indigenous peoples and local communities are acknowledged as critical to biodiversity conservation, given their traditional knowledge and sustainable practices. The report calls for the inclusion of Indigenous rights and voices in biodiversity strategies and decision-making processes.

Urgency for climate and biodiversity financing

The report points out that there is a significant funding gap for biodiversity protection, which must be addressed to implement meaningful conservation efforts. Additionally, it calls for increased financing from both the public and private sectors to support nature-positive initiatives and achieve global biodiversity targets.

Conclusion

The Living Planet Report sends an urgent message: our current trajectory is unsustainable, and without transformative change, the consequences for both nature and humanity will be dire. The report calls for a radical shift in how we manage resources, protect biodiversity, and rethink consumption patterns. It also reinforces the importance of sustainable business practices, stronger environmental policies, and meaningful collaboration across sectors.

For businesses, this is a critical moment. A thriving natural world isn’t just beneficial; it’s essential for long-term success and survival. Equip yourself with the tools to make a difference through our Business With Biodiversity course. Learn how to integrate biodiversity principles into your strategy, take actionable steps to protect our planet, and become a leader in the move towards a healthier natural world.