Protecting Just 1.2% of Earth’s Land Could Avert Mass Extinction, Study Says

A recent study highlights the pressing need to protect Earth’s biodiversity as humanity faces an unprecedented mass extinction, Science Alert reported yesterday.

The United Nations’ 2022 pledge to safeguard 30% of the planet by 2030 is still far from realization, the study mentions.

Researchers from over 20 organizations suggest that focusing on conserving just 1.2% of the Earth’s land could significantly mitigate imminent extinctions.

Lead author Eric Dinerstein emphasizes that most species are rare and concentrated, making targeted conservation efforts more effective.

Despite recent protections covering 1.2 million square kilometers, only 7% of crucial sites for rare biodiversity are secured.

The analysis reveals that tropical regions, which house the highest numbers of endangered species, receive insufficient attention. Protecting these areas would cost approximately $34 billion annually, a fraction of global fossil fuel subsidies. The study stresses that Immediate action is essential to preserve the remaining wild habitats and prevent further loss of biodiversity.