What does a little new soil cost, Mr Worm?

Skovl med jord
Photographer
Neslihan Gunaydi / Unsplash.com
You get your favourite pear, your clean water, your morning coffee, and your nice walk in the woods because nature still delivers. But the loss of biodiversity and collapsing ecosystems are considered two of the biggest risks facing the planet in the next decade.

In connection with the World Economic Forum in January 2020, 750 experts and policy makers listed five issues that most concern them. For the first time, all five related to the environment.  Isn’t it typical that it is only when nature’s services are reduced or disappear that their economic value becomes apparent?

The UN biodiversity science panel estimates that one million of the world’s eight million species are at risk of extinction, and many within just the next ten years. 

Although no scientist knows exactly how many species would have to disappear before nature loses its ability to provide for us, we do know that too many plants and animals are at threat of extinction as their habitats are destroyed. 

Our economies depend on nature continuing to provide services. Forests and seas clean the air we breathe and regulate the climate by binding carbon dioxide. Insects help us to break down waste and toxins, form new topsoil, fight pests, and pollinate our plants. 

Nature provides for us by giving us grain, fish, wood, and bioenergy.

Nature’s benefits are often considered free of charge, despite their having an estimated annual value of around USD 125 billion. But if nature’s services are perceived as being free, there is no economic impetus to look after ecosystems. 

Fact:

  • A million animal and plant species in the world are at risk of disappearing, and many within just the next ten years. This is an emergency that puts the future of humanity at risk. Here the are top five reasons why:
  • 1. Animals and nature are displaced when humans exploit land and water. 2. We are hunting and fishing too much.3. Climate change.4. Pollution.5. The spread of alien species.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Get involved and demand that politicians and companies value the benefits of nature in order that they make sensible and sustainable decisions.