Loss of terrestrial biodiversity

Nature

Loss of terrestrial biodiversity refers to the decline or disappearance of plant, animal, and microbial species on land. This problem is driven by habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, invasive species, and overexploitation of resources. The loss reduces ecosystem resilience, disrupts ecological processes, and threatens food security, health, and livelihoods. It also diminishes genetic diversity, making ecosystems more vulnerable to environmental changes. The ongoing loss of terrestrial biodiversity is a major global concern, undermining the natural systems that support human well-being and the planet’s stability. Addressing this issue is critical for sustainable development and environmental conservation.

Background

The loss of terrestrial biodiversity emerged as a global concern in the late 20th century, highlighted by the 1992 Earth Summit and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Scientific assessments, such as the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005) and IPBES reports, have since documented accelerating species extinctions and habitat degradation worldwide. Recognition of the problem has deepened with mounting evidence of ecosystem collapse, prompting international calls for urgent conservation and sustainable land management.

Incidence

The loss of biodiversity in terrestrial areas of South Africa is considered by Government to be a matter of grave concern, requiring urgent action by diverse sectors at many different levels. There are seven major terrestrial biomes, or habitat types, in South Africa: forest, fynbos, grassland, Nama karoo, succulent karoo, savanna, and thicket. These biomes can in turn be divided into 68 vegetation types, which are communities which share common species, have similar vegetation structures, and share the same set of ecological processes. The degree to which each of these biomes is threatened varies, depending upon the fertility of the soil, the economic value derived from use of the area, human population pressures, and the extent to which the biome is conserved in protected areas.

Claim

The loss of terrestrial biodiversity is an urgent crisis that threatens the very foundation of life on Earth. Every vanished species weakens ecosystems, disrupts food chains, and undermines human survival. Ignoring this catastrophe is reckless and short-sighted; we are gambling with our planet’s health and our own future. Immediate, decisive action is not optional—it is a moral and practical necessity if we hope to preserve a livable world for generations to come.

Counter-claim

The so-called “loss of terrestrial biodiversity” is vastly overstated and hardly a pressing concern. Nature has always adapted, and species come and go as part of evolution. Human progress and economic development are far more important than worrying about a few disappearing plants or animals. Resources should be focused on real issues affecting people, not on preserving every insect or weed. The alarm over biodiversity loss is simply unnecessary and distracts from genuine priorities.