Where does Europe stand in 2010?

Page Last modified 22 Oct 2020

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Topics: Biodiversity — Ecosystems

This page was archived on 22 Oct 2020 with reason: Content is outdated

There is mounting evidence that the status of many ecosystems is reaching or has already reached the point of no return. In the same way that a 2 degree rise in global temperature above pre-industrial levels would lead to catastrophic climatic change, the loss of biodiversity beyond certain limits would have far-reaching consequences for the very functioning of the planet. These limits are still being defined, but it is already clear to the scientific community that the current rate of biodiversity loss puts the future well-being of citizens in the EU and worldwide at risk (European Commission, 2010).

Biodiversity — Ecosystems

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Data centre

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Biodiversity data centre

Species faced with the risk of extinction

Species faced with risk of extinction

Up to 25 % of European animal species, including mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds and butterflies face the risk of extinction and are therefore included in the EU Regional Red List by IUCN.

Poor conservation status

Poor conservation status of habitats

Species

62 % of the habitats and 52 % of the species covered by the EU Habitats Directive are considered to be in an unfavourable conservationstatus (EEA-ETC/BD, 2009).