WWF report warns of sixth mass extinction event

The 2026 Living Planet Report by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) reveals a 73% average decline in wildlife populations between 1970 and 2022. Monitoring of over 35,000 populations across 5,790 species indicates that the planet may be undergoing a sixth mass extinction event, driven primarily by human activities such as intensive agriculture, fossil fuel combustion, and pollution.

Regional declines are most severe in Latin America and the Caribbean (95%), followed by Africa (80%) and the Asia-Pacific (49%). Freshwater species have seen the most significant impact, with an 85% decline globally. Scientists warn that approximately one million animal and plant species are currently at risk of extinction unless human pressure on natural habitats is reduced.

In contrast to these global trends, specific conservation efforts have shown success. In the Sabah islands of Malaysia, green turtle populations have tripled since the 1970s due to long-term marine protection, community involvement, and strict enforcement against illegal poaching and consumption.