Global biodiversity has declined
The Global Living Planet Index continues to show around a 30% global decline since 1970
The Living Planet Index reflects the overall health of our planet's biodiversity.
It works a bit like a stock exchange index, by tracking average changes in animal populations from around the world.The Living Planet Index continues to show around a 30 per cent global decline since 1970
- The 30% decline means that on average, species population sizes were 30% smaller in 2008 than in 1970
- This decline is seen in all biomes
- And is highest in freshwater habitats
- But the trend is not the same all over the world
- Tropical and temperate regions show starkly divergent trends
- As do high-income and low- and middle-income countries
Living Planet Report 2012 - Download
The Index in detail:
Scroll over the map below to see the Living Planet Index in more detail in different habitat types in tropical and temperate areas.
Turning population trends into the Living Planet indices. Click on the image to enlarge.
