Why we need a healthy planet
Working together with nature
The nature crisis affects us all – when nature thrives, we thrive too. And yet, our actions have already pushed it to the tipping point. Our latest Living Planet Report makes clear: the catastrophic loss of nature is not being halted, let alone reversed. Protecting what’s left is not enough – people everywhere must come together to restore what we have destroyed, and to use only what nature can support.
Species at risk
Habitat destruction, climate change and other human-led activities are pushing our world’s natural spaces and the species that live there to the brink of collapse. Currently, on the IUCN red list more than 41,000 species have been assessed to be under threat of extinction according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Our world’s most vulnerable places and wildlife will continue to suffer unless we act now to address the climate and nature crisis.
10 of the world's most endangered animalsHow nature decline is affecting people and planet
Rapid decline for sharks and rays
Oceanic sharks and rays are important predators and are indicators of a healthy ecosystem that supports millions of people around the world. But their numbers have declined by 71% since the 1970s.
Will South Africa run out of water?
In 2015, residents of Cape Town were days away from having their taps run dry following severe drought in South Africa. The city is predicted to be at risk of running out of water by 2030 and it is not the only area at risk.
The vanishing Indian Sundarbans
One of the world’s largest mangrove forests, the Sundarbans in India, is feeling the effects of climate change. Four islands have been lost in the last 25 years and thousands have lost their homes.
Iconic koalas declared endangered
Extreme bushfires, floods and a lack of habitat due to excessive tree-clearing, have all led to the koala population plummeting in Australia. On the country's east coast, the koala is now listed as endangered.
River dolphins and fresh water at risk
Pollution, development projects and hunting have led to a decline of river dolphins. Millions of people rely on rivers for water and food and the river dolphin plays a critical role by helping to keep rivers in balance.
European mink - widespread to endangered
European mink were once widespread along streams and rivers but today they are disappearing. Habitat loss, over-hunting and competition from invasive species have led to their severe decline.
Keep exploring
Take action
Tackling the climate and nature crisis will need all of us. Find out how you can play your part.
Call of the wild
Hear more about the Living Planet Report in a special podcast episode with WWF ambassador, Cel Spellman.
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