Assessment Report on Invasive Alien Species

 

The Assessment Report on Invasive Alien Species and their Control delivers a staggering revelation. Human activities have introduced roughly 37,000 alien species, spanning both plants and animals, to various regions and ecosystems globally. Of these, more than 3,500 invasive alien species have emerged as major culprits, contributing to a shocking 60% of documented global extinctions, affecting both plant and animal species.

Gaurav Nikumbh has penned a remarkable piece on the IPBES Invasive Alien Species Assessment, delving into the world of invasive species and their adverse effects on our environment. Our experienced and informed mentor, Kapil Kushwah, has meticulously reviewed and approved this article for its upcoming publication on the website.

Although IPBES is not a United Nations organization, it collaborates closely with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which provides secretariat services at the request of the IPBES Plenary, authorized by the UNEP Governing Council in 2013.

This report clearly ranks invasive alien species among the top five primary drivers of biodiversity loss worldwide. The gravity of this situation cannot be overstated. What's even more alarming is that this proliferation of alien species is not a recent phenomenon but has been unfolding across all regions for centuries. However, the acceleration of this phenomenon is now occurring at an unprecedented pace. This acceleration can largely be attributed to heightened human mobility, increased global trade, and the expansive reach of the global economy.

 The report highlights specific statistics that paint a grim picture of the situation. Approximately 6% of introduced plant species, 22% of introduced invertebrates, 14% of introduced vertebrates, and 11% of introduced microbes are recognized as invasive, posing substantial threats to both natural ecosystems and human well-being. Visit the current affairs updates option on the Plutus Academy website to receive periodic information on current affairs.

This comprehensive study, which spanned a four-year period, represents a monumental collaborative effort involving 86 leading experts from 49 countries. Their research was built upon an extensive body of knowledge, incorporating more than 13,000 references. The findings in this report serve as a clarion call for global action to address the invasive alien species crisis before irreparable damage is done to our planet's ecosystems and the well-being of its inhabitants.

This article draws its roots from the primary source, the IPBES Invasive Alien Species Assessment. Interested readers or students can explore the original source to gain a comprehensive understanding of invasive species.

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