Losing nature - 8th November 2021

In recent years, the UK has lost a lot of nature. New research shows it has around 50 percent of its original biodiversity. Biodiversity is the variety of plants and animals. This number means the UK is in the lowest 10 percent of countries in the world.

The Natural History Museum, London, is researching the world's biodiversity. It calculates the amount still on Earth and also in different countries. Experts say 90 percent is a safe number. But the total amount for the whole world is 75 percent.

Biodiversity is decreasing faster than ever before. Since 1970, there's been a 70 percent drop in the populations of different animal species.

These percentages were given out by the London museum before two important climate events. These are the Biodiversity Conference in China and the COP26 Climate Conference in Scotland.

Biodiversity is essential for the Earth's health. It provides food, water, oxygen and medicines. Without biodiversity, the human race and the planet cannot survive. So, the decisions at these two conferences are of great importance for the future.