WWF's Living Planet Report 2024

According to the WWF’s Living Planet Report (LPR) 2024, there has been a staggering 73% decline in the average size of monitored wildlife populations over the past 50 years (1970-2020). This report emphasizes the urgent need for a collective effort in the next five years to address the intertwined crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.

Key Findings of the Report

The Living Planet Index (LPI), compiled by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), analyzes nearly 35,000 population trends from 5,495 species between 1970 and 2020. Notably, the most significant decline is seen in freshwater ecosystems at 85%, followed by terrestrial at 69% and marine at 56%. The report identifies habitat loss and degradation, largely driven by food systems, as the primary threat to wildlife, with overexploitation, invasive species, and disease also contributing. Pollution remains a critical concern, particularly in Asia and the Pacific, where wildlife populations have seen an average decline of 60%.

Implications of Declines in Wildlife Populations

The decline in wildlife serves as an early warning of increased extinction risks and the potential degradation of healthy ecosystems. Damaged ecosystems are more susceptible to reaching tipping points, which can lead to irreversible changes. Examples include the dieback of the Amazon rainforest and the mass die-off of coral reefs, both of which could have far-reaching impacts on food security and livelihoods.

Kirsten Schuijt, Director General of WWF International, warns, “Nature is issuing a distress call… The catastrophic consequences of losing some of our most precious ecosystems… would be felt by people and nature around the world.”

Declining Vulture Populations in India

In India, the situation of three vulture species—the White-rumped vulture, Indian vulture, and slender-billed vulture—is particularly concerning. Research indicates a sharp decline in these species, especially between 1992 and 2002. A 2022 nationwide survey by BNHS revealed a 67% drop in the white-rumped vulture population, a 48% decline in the Indian vulture, and an alarming 89% decrease in the slender-billed vulture since 2002. This situation highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these essential scavengers and maintain ecological balance.

Positive Trends in Wildlife Conservation

Despite the declines, some wildlife populations in India have shown signs of recovery due to proactive government initiatives, effective habitat management, and robust scientific monitoring. India now boasts the largest population of wild tigers globally, with the All-India Tiger Estimation 2022 reporting an estimated 3,682 tigers, a significant increase from 2,967 in 2018.

Additionally, the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has launched the first Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI), which evaluated 70% of the snow leopards’ potential range, estimating their population at 718. This initiative aims to strengthen conservation efforts for this magnificent species.

Urgent Need for Action

The Living Planet Report 2024 stresses that ecological degradation and climate change increase the likelihood of reaching local and regional tipping points. For instance, rapid urban expansion in Chennai has led to an 85% decline in wetland areas, jeopardizing vital ecosystem services such as water retention and flood regulation. In response, the government is actively restoring wetlands, launching initiatives like the Tamil Nadu Wetland Mission and declaring Pallikarani marsh as a Ramsar site.

Ravi Singh, Secretary General & CEO of WWF-India, emphasizes, “The choices and actions we make over the next five years will be crucial for the planet’s future.” WWF-India aims to foster collaboration among governments, businesses, communities, and individuals to align policies and practices in climate, nature conservation, and sustainable development.

Global Goals and Future Directions

Countries have set ambitious global goals to halt and reverse nature loss (the Global Biodiversity Framework), limit global temperature rise to 1.5ºC (the Paris Agreement), and eradicate poverty (the UN Sustainable Development Goals). However, the report highlights that current national commitments and actions fall short of meeting 2030 targets and avoiding dangerous tipping points.

To make significant progress on global goals for halting nature loss by 2030 and addressing climate change, the report advocates transforming energy, food, and finance systems while scaling effective conservation actions that respect the rights and needs of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.