Great Britain Faces a Threatening Nature Crisis: 16% of Species at Risk of Extinction

Conservation organizations in the UK have warned that the country is facing a nature-loss crisis, with the numbers of precious animals and plants continuing to decline. A report by over 60 organizations, including wildlife conservation groups and government agencies, found that 16% of 10,000 assessed species, including iconic wildlife like the turtle dove and hazel dormouse, were threatened. Despite government commitments to increasing habitat for nature, conservationists argue that more investment and a shift towards wildlife-friendly farming and fishing practices are urgently needed. The report highlights decades of research that indicate a decline in natural spaces and wildlife populations. Conservation scientists warn that the average abundance of monitored plants and animals has declined by 19% since the 1970s, suggesting a bleak future for native wildlife. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) stressed the importance of restoring nature in order to address the climate crisis. The UK government has responded to these concerns by pledging to protect 30% of land for nature by 2030 and investing in habitat restoration. However, conservationists argue that more significant investments are needed to reverse the decline of the country's environment. The report also identifies successful conservation efforts that have restored habitats and protected species. Wildlife-friendly farming has been shown to increase production and benefit biodiversity, but more financial support is required to encourage all farmers to participate in restoring nature and addressing climate change. The report concludes that greater investment in nature is necessary and that government commitments must be supported by funded initiatives.