Threats

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Last modified : Apr 13, 2011 07:10 PM

The main causes of biodiversity loss are changes in natural habitats. These are mostly due to: intensive agricultural production systems and land abandonment; construction and transport (fragmentation); overexploitation of forests, oceans, rivers, lakes and soils; invasion of alien species; pollution; and — increasingly — climate change. For any policy to be effective in maintaining and restoring biodiversity in Europe, it must address these threats.

Habitat loss — a major concern

70 % of species are threatened by the loss of their habitat (IUCN). Farmland birds declined by 20–25 % between 1990 and 2007 (Eurostat, 2010).

Overexploitation — more sustainability needed

30 % of species are threatened by overexploitation (IUCN). For instance: 88 % of stocks are being fished beyond Maximum Sustainable Yields (ICES, 2008) and 46 % outside safe biological limits, which means that stocks may not be replenished (EEA, 2010).

Pollution — improvements in some areas

Despite improvements in some areas, 26 % of species are threatened by pesticides, and fertilisers like nitrates and phosphates (IUCN).

Invasive alien species — an increasing phenomenon

22 % of species are threatened by invasive alien species (IUCN).

Climate change

Shifts in habitats and species distribution are being observed, so is desertification. Climate change interacts and often exacerbates other threats.

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