LIVING PLANET REPORT 2022
Wildlife populations plummet by 69%
The Living Planet Report 2022 is a comprehensive study of trends in global biodiversity and the health of the planet. This flagship WWF publication reveals an average decline of 69% in species populations since 1970. While conservation efforts are helping, urgent action is required if we are to reverse nature loss.
Interlinked emergencies: Climate change and biodiversity loss
The evidence is unequivocal—we are living through the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change driven by the unsustainable use of our planet’s resources. Scientists are clear: unless we stop treating these emergencies as two separate issues neither problem will be addressed effectively.
Our broken relationship with nature
Climate change and biodiversity loss are not only environmental issues, but economic, development, security, social, moral, and ethical issues too. Industrialized countries are responsible for most environmental degradation but it is developing nations that are disproportionately impacted by biodiversity loss. We all have a role to play in building a nature-positive society that safeguards the planet for the good health of everyone.
Tracking the health of nature over 50 years
The Living Planet Index (LPI)—which tracks populations of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians—reveals an average 69% decrease in monitored wildlife populations since 1970. The 2022 LPI analyzed almost 32,000 species populations. It provides the most comprehensive measure of how they are responding to pressures in their environment.
Carter Roberts, President and CEO of WWF-US
Freshwater populations hit the hardest
Monitored freshwater populations have declined by an average of 83% since 1970, more than any other species groups. Habitat loss and barriers to migration routes account for around half the threats to these populations.
Biodiversity loss by region
- 1. North America
- 2. Latin America and The Caribbean
- 3. Africa
- 4. Europe - Central Asia
- 5. Asia - Pacific
Poetry for the Planet
Distinguished poets reflect on the magnificent but endangered planet we call home.
Read the poems
Resources for Young Learners
WWF has created a youth edition of their 2022 Living Planet Report that uses engaging infographics and visuals to highlight the state of our planet and explain the causes of decline.
Explore the resources
PODCAST: WWF's Chief Scientist Breaks Down the Report
Dr. Rebecca Shaw speaks with Nature: Breaking, WWF's podcast focusing on environmental news and trends.
KEEP EXPLORING
Why are we losing biodiversity?
A million plant and animal species are threatened with extinction. Discover the main drivers behind biodiversity loss
How can we fix the biodiversity emergency?
From making food production and trade more efficient to reducing waste, reversing nature loss is possible
Making technology work for our planet
How technology is helping us to repair, monitor and manage Earth’s natural resources sustainably
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