TAG: GS-3: ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY
THE CONTEXT:
Global Tree Assessment was announced in Cali, Colombia, on 28 October 2024 by the IUCN. 38% of the world’s tree species are at risk of extinction, based on the first Global Tree Assessment. It is included in the latest IUCN Red List of Threatened Species update.
EXPLANATION:
Global Assessment of Trees on IUCN Red List:
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- Over one-third of tree species worldwide are at risk of extinction, according to a new IUCN Red List assessment.
- This is the first time a majority of the world’s trees have been included on the Red List, with 16,425 out of 47,282 species assessed as threatened.
- Significance of Trees in Ecosystems:
- Trees are essential for supporting life, contributing to carbon, water, and nutrient cycles, soil formation, and climate regulation.
- Over 5,000 tree species are used for timber, and more than 2,000 for medicines, food, and fuel, highlighting the reliance of millions of people on trees.
- Highest Risk on Islands:
- Island tree species face the greatest threat due to deforestation, invasive species, pests, and climate change effects like sea-level rise and stronger storms.
- Regional Data and Conservation Actions:
- South America, known for its tree diversity, has 3,356 out of 13,668 species at risk, mostly due to forest clearance.
- In Colombia, Red List data has led to the designation of five new Key Biodiversity Areas for endangered Magnolia species.
- Call for Action and Conservation Methods:
- The IUCN and partners call for local, national, and international efforts to protect trees.
- Critical conservation strategies include habitat protection, restoration, seed banks, and botanic garden collections.
- Western European Hedgehog Status:
- The Western European Hedgehog has moved from “Least Concern” to “Near Threatened” due to habitat loss, urban development, and agricultural intensification.
- Conservation programs like “Hedgehog Street” in the UK aim to support hedgehog populations.
- Global Collaboration for Tree Conservation:
- Over 1,000 experts and 100 institutions collaborated on the Global Tree Assessment, funded by Fondation Franklinia and other conservation organizations.
- 60th Anniversary of the IUCN Red List:
- The IUCN Red List is marking its 60th anniversary, with a global social media campaign launching to raise awareness and funds for species assessment and reassessment.
- Industry Responsibility and Deforestation:
- There’s a call for consumer goods manufacturers, financial institutions, and agriculture companies to strengthen commitments to zero deforestation and ecosystem conservation.
COP16 and Conservation Opportunities: COP16 in Colombia presents an opportunity for public and private sectors to support biodiversity through investments that benefit people, climate, and species.
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