Humans must stop altering land for short term gains. The planet’s biodiversity teeters on a tipping point, and preventing extinction hinges on protecting at least 44 percent of Earth or restoring areas to their natural state before extensive human impact. A coalition of scientists led by the University of Amsterdam urges immediate action to reform the harmful relationship between people and nature. Even now, about 70 percent of terrestrial land remains largely undisturbed, yet projections show that land transformation will not pause. In fact, it is accelerating rapidly and spreading across new regions with surprising speed. This trend raises urgent questions about how much of the planet can be conserved while still meeting human needs. The projection for the next eight years suggests that heavy use could erase roughly 1.3 million square kilometers of land by 2030, a slice larger than many nations. Such changes threaten wildlife and the integrity of ecosystems, and experts warn that within less than a decade, roughly 2 percent of the 64 million square kilometers proposed for conservation could be lost. (Science, 2024)
More than 1.8 billion people inhabit lands where protection is now demanded. Researchers emphasize that effective conservation must promote autonomy, self-determination, equity, and sustainable management to safeguard biodiversity while respecting local communities and traditional practices. This approach aims to balance ecological health with human well-being, rather than treating protected areas as isolated enclaves. (Science, 2024)
The 30 percent target is not sufficient
With this study, scientists seek to lay the groundwork for a future planet protection plan, one of the topics countries are debating today. The discussion surrounding 2030 targets in the European Union centers on protecting 30 percent of the planet through protected areas and other conservation mechanisms. While this move is welcomed, many argue that goals should be more ambitious to truly curb declines in species and safeguard ecosystems. Conservation expert Kendall Jones, who contributed to the article, notes that stronger targets are essential. (Science, 2024)
Ten years ago, biodiversity gained political prominence through the Aichi Biodiversity Goals set by the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. The aim was clear: protect at least 17 percent of land through protected areas or equivalent measures to improve biodiversity and ecosystems. Today, scientists regret that the target did not go far enough to halt species decline. (Science, 2024)
The ongoing biodiversity crisis motivates a careful roadmap for conservation. Experts argue for actions that support the autonomy and self-determination of communities living on these lands and that preserve ecological integrity beyond simply labeling areas as protected. They stress a broad toolbox of strategies, from empowering Indigenous peoples to manage their environments to enforcing limits on deforestation and, of course, creating protected areas where appropriate. (Science, 2024)
References: Science journal article Didier et al. 2024, a comprehensive examination of land protection needs and planetary stewardship. (Science, 2024)
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