Humans to Encroach on Wildlife Habitats Across More Than 50% of Land by 2070, Study Finds

A study published in Science Advances reveals that by 2070, human activities will extend into wildlife habitats across over 57% of the Earth’s land, exacerbating biodiversity loss and increasing pandemic risks, The Guardian reported yesterday.

Currently, 70% to 75% of the world’s land is transformed or occupied by humans. As human population density rises, regions like India and China will see significant overlap with wildlife areas, while agricultural and forest regions in Africa and South America will also be affected.

The research highlights that 75% of emerging infectious diseases in humans are zoonotic, originating from wildlife. As interactions between humans and animals intensify, the potential for disease transmission increases. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding human-wildlife overlap to mitigate risks. While some areas, particularly over 20% of Europe, may see reduced overlap, the findings serve as a guide for policymakers aiming to prevent human-wildlife conflicts and promote conservation efforts, according to lead researcher Deqiang Ma from the University of Michigan.