UN Report Finds One Million Species At Risk Of Extinction

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the UN released a new report that found that human activity is putting more than one million species of plants and animals at risk of extinction within decades, which in turn will have severe repercussions for global food and water supplies. The 1,500 page report -- which examined the major drivers of extinction, including habitat loss and deforestation, overfishing, polluting land and water, climate change, and invasive species -- is the first examination of earth’s biodiversity in 15 years. The report also found that “fighting climate change and saving species are equally important” and it’s not too late to take meaningful action.

The report was approved by representatives of all the UN’s 109 nations, including the United States.

In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:

"The findings of this UN report are clear: we’re out of time for our leaders to continue burying their heads in the sand and pretending we aren’t in the midst of a global crisis. Today’s report is another in a long list of wake-up calls by the world’s foremost experts telling us we need to take action now to protect our planet and all the people and species that share our common home.

“Together, we must preserve strong Endangered Species and other protections for at-risk plants and animals, ensure our public lands remain a refuge rather than a playground for the fossil fuel industry, and demand leaders who prioritize our clean air, clean water, and a livable climate rather than polluters’ profits. And we must act to tackle these crises together.”