home » Autumn clothes » Global changes in biological diversity. Types, role, decline and protection of biological diversity

Global changes in biological diversity. Types, role, decline and protection of biological diversity

Just as the relative abundance of species varies at different points in space, the ratio of their abundance over time can also change. Any biotic community transforms over time. Its development, also called ecological succession, goes through a number of stages, with biotic communities replacing each other. The replacement of species in succession is caused by the fact that populations, seeking to modify the environment, create conditions favorable for other populations.

During the development of the community, the total biomass increases, while the maximum productivity, that is, the maximum annual increase in biomass, occurs in one of the intermediate phases of succession. Typically, during development, the number of species increases, since with increasing plant diversity, niches appear for an increasing number of species of insects and other animals. However, the so-called menopause the community that is formed at the final stage of development is inferior in species richness to communities of more early stages. In climax communities, factors other than those leading to species diversity are more important. These factors include an increase in the size of organisms, which allows them to store nutrients or water to survive during periods when they are scarce. This and other factors lead to increased competition between species and a reduction in their number in the climax community.

Habitat disturbances vary in severity and frequency. Sometimes it is useful to distinguish between disasters and catastrophe. The former occur in the life of a biotic community often enough to cause evolutionary changes. As a result of disasters, the population may acquire new properties (Brodsky, 2011).

Minor disturbances lead to mosaic habitats. If they occur at different times, not in the same phase, then the community will consist of separate areas located at different stages of succession. This mosaic of vegetation, which forms against the background of a climax state as a result of disturbances at different times, is combined with a higher level of species diversity than in the case of a vast, long-undisturbed territory.

Biodiversity decline usually begins with the destruction of species' natural habitats. Development of new technologies and destruction environment As a result of human activity, it occurs at a speed that significantly exceeds the ability of species to adapt to new conditions. The exception is a few species of animals and plants, which we call weeds and with which we do not want to share the future of the planet. It is likely that such insects and weeds have a range of hereditary variability that allows them to adapt to the rapid changes in the environment that occur as a result of its disturbance, but most larger plants and animals are unable to do this.

Human interference often leads to a decrease in diversity natural conditions. For example, destroying various species tree species In mixed forests, in order to create preferable conditions for the growth of pine used in the pulp industry, people inevitably reduce the number of ecological niches. As a result, in the resulting pure pine forests the species diversity of animals and plants decreases significantly compared to the original mixed forest community (Emelyanov, 2013).

A change in any natural factor as a result of human activity inevitably leads to an imbalance in the ecosystem, which often results in its destruction and loss of natural habitats.

Biological diversity - genetic, species, ecosystem - is the root cause of the stability of both the biosphere as a whole and each individual ecosystem. Life as a sustainable planetary phenomenon is only possible if it is represented by diverse species and ecosystems.

But in modern conditions the scale of human economic activity has increased so much that there is a danger of losing biological diversity. Different types human activities lead to direct or indirect destruction of various species and ecosystems of the biosphere.

There are several main types of environmental degradation that are currently the most dangerous for biological diversity. For example, flooding or silting of productive lands, their concreting, paving or development deprive wildlife of their habitats. Cultivation of land using irrational methods reduces yields due to erosion and depletion of soil fertility. Excessive irrigation of fields can lead to salinization, that is, an increase in the concentration of salts in the soil to a level that is not tolerated by plants. As a result, the typical plants of these places are disappearing. Deforestation over large areas in the absence of regenerative plantings leads to the destruction of wild animal habitats, a change in vegetation, and a reduction in its diversity. Many species are disappearing due to extermination and environmental pollution. Most species are disappearing due to the destruction of natural habitats and the destruction of natural ecosystems. This is one of the main reasons for the depletion of biological diversity.

The biological diversity of the biosphere is understood as the diversity of all types of living organisms that make up the biosphere, as well as the entire diversity of genes that form the gene pool of any population of each species, as well as the diversity of biosphere ecosystems in different natural areas. Unfortunately, at present, all kinds of human economic activities lead to a decrease in biological diversity. The biosphere is losing biological diversity. This is one of the environmental dangers.

To conserve biodiversity, it is necessary to invest in its study; improve environmental management, trying to make it rational; solve global ecological problems on the international level.

UNESCO adopted the World Heritage Convention, which combines natural and cultural monuments. The Convention calls for caring for objects that are of value to all humanity. The conservation of biodiversity depends both on the leaders of countries and on the behavior of every inhabitant of the planet (Gusev, 2012).

Biodiversity is a concept that refers to all the diversity of life on Earth and all existing natural systems. The biodiversity we see today is the product of evolution over billions of years, determined by natural processes and increasingly by human influence. It represents the fabric of Life, integral part which we are and on which we are completely dependent.

Biological diversity is an invaluable global asset for present and future generations. But today the number of threats to the gene pool, species and ecosystems is greater than ever before. As a result of human activity, ecosystems are degraded, species die off or their numbers decline at alarming rates to unsustainable levels. This loss of biodiversity undermines the very basis of Life on Earth and is truly a global tragedy.

Predominant causes of biodiversity loss and degradation biological resources are large-scale deforestation and burning, destruction of coral reefs, uncontrolled fishing, excessive destruction of plants and animals, illegal trade in species wild fauna and flora, use of pesticides, drainage of swamps, air pollution, use of corners untouched nature for agricultural needs and urban construction.

Forests are home to most known terrestrial species, but 45% of the Earth's natural forests have disappeared, mostly by being cut down, over the last century. Despite all efforts, the world's forest area is rapidly declining. Up to 10% of coral reefs - one of the richest ecosystems - have been destroyed, and 1/3 of the remaining will die in the next 10-20 years! Coastal mangroves - vital habitat The habitat for the young of many animal species is also under threat, and half of them have already disappeared. Depletion of the ozone layer leads to penetration more ultraviolet rays to the surface of the Earth, where they destroy living tissue. Global warming is changing the habitats and distribution of species. Many of them will die if there is a rise average annual temperature on the ground.

Back in November 1988, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) organized an Ad Hoc Working Group of Experts on Biological Diversity to examine the need for an international convention on biological diversity. In May 1989, it established an Ad Hoc Working Group on Technical and Legal Issues to prepare an international legal instrument regarding the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.

Since February 1991, the Ad Hoc Working Group has become known as the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee. The result of the committee's work was the holding of the Conference on the Harmonization of the Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity on May 22, 1992 in Nairobi, Kenya. The Convention on Biological Diversity was signed on June 5 by the leaders of 150 countries at the historic Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.

Designed as a practical tool for implementing the principles of Agenda 21, the Convention aims to promote sustainable development. It was open for signature until June 4, 1993, and by that time it had been signed by 168 parties. The Convention entered into force on December 29, 1993, 90 days after it was ratified by 30 countries. The Convention on Biological Diversity is an agreement whose consequences cannot be overstated. To date, it has been ratified by 176 countries and the European Community. Thanks to almost universal government participation, a comprehensive mandate and access to financial and scientific and technical resources, the Convention has begun to influence the international community's approach to biodiversity issues.

The average lifespan of species is 5-6 million years. Over the past 200 million years, about 900 thousand species have disappeared, or on average less than one species per year. Currently, the rate of species extinction is five orders of magnitude greater: 24 species disappear per day. It is estimated that by the year 2000, 100 species will become extinct per day. According to expert estimates, over the next 20 to 30 years, 25% of the Earth's total biological diversity will be in serious danger of extinction. Currently there are about 22 thousand species of plants and animals.

The main reasons for the loss of biological diversity: loss of habitat, overexploitation of biological resources, pollution of the environment (Sapunov, 2011).

Biodiversity or biological diversity is a term that describes the diversity of living organisms on Earth and the extent to which life varies. Biodiversity includes microorganisms, plants, animals, such as coral reefs, etc. Biodiversity is everything from towering trees to tiny single-celled algae that can't be seen without a microscope.

It also refers to the number or abundance of different species living in a particular region. Biological diversity represents the wealth available to us. It's about about the maintenance of natural areas consisting of communities of plants, animals and other living things that are changing or becoming extinct due to human influence, and destruction.

Elements and distribution

In biodiversity, every species, no matter how large or small, plays important role. Different species of plants and animals depend on each other, and these various types provide natural sustainability for all life forms. Healthy and resilient biodiversity can recover from many disasters.

Biodiversity has three main elements:

Ecological diversity;
Species diversity;

Recently, a new element was added - "molecular diversity".

Biodiversity is unevenly distributed. It varies globally and regionally. TO various factors factors affecting biological diversity include: temperature, altitude, precipitation, soils and their relationship with other species. For example, ocean biodiversity is 25 times less than terrestrial diversity.

Biodiversity is the result of 3.5 billion years. It has been subject to various periods. The final and most destructive stage of extinction is the Holocene extinction (era), which was influenced in part by human activity.

The role of biodiversity

All types are interconnected and dependent on each other. Forests provide homes for animals. Animals eat plants. Plants need healthy soil to grow. Fungi help decompose organisms to fertilize the soil. Bees and other insects transfer pollen from one plant to another, which allows the flora to reproduce. With less biodiversity, these relationships are weakened and sometimes broken, harming all species in the ecosystem.

Biodiversity has a number of functions on Earth, including:

Maintaining ecosystem balance: processing and storage nutrients, combating, climate stabilization, protection, soil formation and protection, and maintaining environmental friendliness.
Biological resources: provision medicines and pharmaceuticals, food products for the population and animals, ornamental plants, wood products, breeding stock, species diversity, ecosystems and genes.
Social benefits: recreation and tourism, cultural value, education and research.

The role of biodiversity in the following areas will help to clearly define its importance in human life:

Food: About 80% of the human food supply comes from 20 plant species. But humans use about 40,000 species of flora for food, clothing and shelter. Biodiversity provides food for the population of our planet.
Human health: shortage is expected drinking water will create a serious global crisis. Biodiversity also plays an important role in drug discovery. Natural medicines are used by most of the world's population.
Industry: biological sources provide many industrial materials. These include fiber, oil, dyes, rubber, water, wood, paper and food.
Culture: biodiversity ensures entertainment activities, such as bird watching, fishing, hiking, etc. It inspires musicians, poets and artists.

Types of biodiversity

The main way to measure biodiversity is to count the total number of species living in a particular area. Tropical areas where it is warm climatic conditions all year round, have the greatest biological diversity. In temperate regions where warm summers alternate cold winter, there is less biodiversity. Regions with cold or dry conditions, such as deserts, have even less biodiversity.

Generally, the closer a region is to the equator, the greater the biodiversity. At least 40,000 different plant species live in the Amazon in South America, one of the most biologically diverse regions on the planet.

Warm waters of the western part of the Pacific and Indian Oceans are the most diverse marine habitats. in Indonesia is home to more than 1,200 species of fish and 600 species of coral. Many corals create hundreds of species of organisms, from tiny seaweeds to large sharks.

Some regions of the world have large numbers (species that only exist in a certain area). In the Cape region - a natural ecosystem South Africa- There are about 6,200 plant species that are found nowhere else in the world. Areas with high numbers of endemic species are called biodiversity hotspots. Scientists and organizations are making efforts special efforts to preserve life in these regions.

Biodiversity can also refer to the variety of ecosystems - communities of living things and theirs. Ecosystems include deserts, grasslands and rainforests. Africa has tropical rain forests, alpine mountains and dry deserts. The continent has a high level of biodiversity, while Antarctica, almost completely covered by ice, has a low level.

Another way to measure biodiversity is genetic diversity. Genes are the basic units of biological information transmitted in living beings. Some species have up to 400,000 genes. (Humans have about 25,000 genes, and rice has more than 56,000.) Some of these genes are the same for all individuals within a species - they make a daisy a daisy and a dog a dog. But some genes vary within a species, which is why, for example, some dogs are poodles and others are pit bulls. That's why some people Brown eyes, and others are blue.

Greater genetic diversity among species can make plants and animals more resistant to disease. Genetic diversity also allows species to better adapt to changing environments.

Declining Biodiversity

Over the past hundred years, biodiversity around the world has declined sharply. Many species have become extinct. Extinction is a natural process; some species naturally go extinct and new species evolve. But human activity has changed the natural processes of extinction and evolution. Scientists estimate that species are currently going extinct hundreds of times faster than evolution would require.

The main cause of biodiversity loss is the destruction of natural habitats. Fields, forests and wetlands where wild plants and animals live are disappearing. People clear land to plant crops and build homes and businesses. Forests are cut down for timber.

As habitats shrink, they can support fewer organisms. Surviving creatures have fewer partners to breed with, so genetic diversity is reduced.

Global climate change is also a factor reducing biodiversity around the world. Warmer ocean temperatures are damaging fragile ecosystems such as coral reefs. One coral reef can support 3,000 species of fish and other sea creatures such as shellfish and starfish.

Invasive species can also affect biodiversity. When people introduce species from one part of the world to another, they often have no natural predators. These "non-native" organisms thrive in their new habitat and often wipe out native species.

People all over the world are working to preserve biodiversity. Animals and plants are the best known endangered organisms. Thousands of protected areas have been created across our planet to protect plants, animals and ecosystems. Local, national and international organizations collaborate to preserve the biological diversity of regions threatened by development or natural disasters. People are also working to limit pollution and restore ecosystems. As ecosystems become healthier, their biodiversity increases.

Diversity of species in nature, its reasons. The influence of human activities on species diversity. Biological progress and regression

Biological diversity

Biodiversity is a concept that refers to all the diversity of life on Earth and all existing natural systems. The biodiversity we see today is the product of evolution over billions of years, determined by natural processes and increasingly by human influence. It represents the fabric of Life, of which we are an integral part and on which we are completely dependent.

They say that there are many more species of life on Earth than there are stars in the sky. To date, about 1.7 million species of plants, animals and microorganisms have been identified and given their names. We are also one of these species. The exact number of species living on Earth is still not known. Their number ranges from 5 to 100 million!

According to various sources, from 100 to 200 species become extinct every 24 hours! They disappear forever! Their disappearance in most cases goes unnoticed, since only a small part of them is identified. Living species have been disappearing at a rate 50 to 100 times the natural rate, and the rate is expected to increase significantly. According to estimates based on current trends, 34 thousand plant species and 5.2 thousand animal species (including an eighth! part of bird species) are threatened with complete extinction. Humanity will certainly suffer (and is already suffering) from such losses, and not only because the world will be poorer without polar bears, tigers and rhinoceroses. The depletion of the world's biological heritage will limit the emergence of new healthy products. Only a small proportion of plant and animal species have been studied for their social utility. Only 5,000 of approximately 265,000 plant species are cultivated for food. Even the smallest species can play decisive role in the ecosystems to which they belong. People simply have no idea what they are neglecting. Natural wealth earth is not only a diversity of species, but also genetic codes that provide each Living being characteristics that allow it to survive and develop. These genes can be used to develop drugs and expand the range of food products. More than half of all medicines are obtained from plants. According to UNEP, more than 60% of people in the world directly depend on plants from which they obtain medicines. In China, for example, more than 5,000 of the 30,000 identified domestic plant species are used for medicinal purposes. More than 40% of prescriptions written in the United States contain one or more drugs derived from wild species(fungi, bacteria, plants and animals). In addition to their medicinal value, wild plant and animal species also have other high commercial values. They are very important for industry as sources of tannin, rubber, resin, oils and other commercially valuable components. Potential for new industry products from unknown or poor known species plants and animals is huge. Such products may even contain hydrocarbons that could replace oil as an energy source. For example, a tree that grows only in northern Brazil produces about 20 liters of sap every 6 months. This juice can be used as fuel for engines. Brazil also produces methane from grains, which they then sell for use in cars. The production and use of methane saves the country $6 million in foreign currency every year. Biodiversity loss reduces the productivity of ecosystems, thereby reducing the natural basket of goods and services from which we continually draw. It destabilizes ecosystems and reduces their ability to withstand various natural disasters. We spend huge amounts of money to repair damage from hurricanes and floods, an increasing number of which are a consequence of deforestation and global warming. By losing diversity, we lose cultural identity, which is rooted in the biological environment around us. Plants and animals are our symbols, their images appear on flags, in sculptures and other images of us and our society. We draw inspiration from admiring the beauty and power of nature. The loss of biodiversity is irreversible under current conditions, and given our dependence on crop yields, medicines and other biological resources, it poses a threat to our well-being.

Causes of biodiversity loss

The predominant causes of loss of biodiversity and degradation of biological resources (and simply LIFE on Earth) are large-scale deforestation and burning, destruction of coral reefs, uncontrolled fishing, excessive destruction of plants and animals, illegal trade in wildlife species, use of pesticides, drainage of wetlands, pollution air, the use of corners of untouched nature for agricultural needs and the construction of cities.

Forests are home to most known terrestrial species, but 45% of the Earth's natural forests have disappeared, mostly by being cut down, over the last century. Despite all efforts, the world's forest area is rapidly declining. Up to 10% of coral reefs - one of the richest ecosystems - have been destroyed, and 1/3 of the remaining will die in the next 10-20 years! Coastal mangroves - vital natural habitat for the young of many animal species - are also under threat, with half already gone. Depletion of the ozone layer causes more ultraviolet rays to reach the Earth's surface, where they destroy living tissue. Global warming is changing the habitats and distribution of species. Many of them will die if the average annual temperature on Earth increases.

How the Convention came about

Biological diversity (BD) is the totality of all forms of life inhabiting our planet. This is what makes Earth different from other planets solar system. BR is the richness and diversity of life and its processes, including the diversity of living organisms and their genetic differences, as well as the diversity of the places where they exist. BR is divided into three hierarchical categories: diversity among members of the same species (genetic diversity), between various types and between ecosystems. Research into global problems of BD at the gene level is a matter of the future.

The most authoritative assessment of species diversity was carried out by UNEP in 1995. According to this estimate, the most likely number of species is 13-14 million, of which only 1.75 million, or less than 13%, have been described. The highest hierarchical level of biological diversity is ecosystem, or landscape. At this level, patterns of biological diversity are determined primarily by zonal landscape conditions, then by local features of natural conditions (topography, soils, climate), as well as the history of the development of these territories. The largest species diversity differ (in descending order): wet equatorial forests, coral reefs, tropical dry forests, rain forests temperate zone, oceanic islands, Mediterranean climate landscapes, treeless (savanna, steppe) landscapes.

In the last two decades, biological diversity has begun to attract the attention of not only biologists, but also economists, politicians, and the public due to the obvious threat of anthropogenic degradation of biodiversity, which far exceeds normal, natural degradation.

According to the UNEP Global Biodiversity Assessment (1995), more than 30,000 species of animals and plants are at risk of extinction. Over the past 400 years, 484 animal species and 654 plant species have disappeared.

Reasons for the current accelerated decline in biological diversity-

1) rapid population growth and economic development, making huge changes in the living conditions of all organisms and ecological systems Earth;

2) increased migration of people, growth of international trade and tourism;

3) increasing pollution of natural waters, soil and air;

4) insufficient attention to the long-term consequences of actions that destroy the conditions of existence of living organisms, exploit natural resources and introduce non-native species;

5) impossibility in conditions market economy assess the true cost of biodiversity and its losses.

Over the past 400 years, the main direct causes of extinction of animal species were:

1) introduction of new species, accompanied by displacement or extermination of local species (39% of all lost animal species);

2) destruction of living conditions, direct withdrawal of territories inhabited by animals and their degradation, fragmentation, increased edge effect (36% of all lost species);

3) uncontrolled hunting (23%);

4) Other reasons (2%).

The main reasons for the need to preserve genetic diversity.

All species (no matter how harmful or unpleasant they may be) have the right to exist. This provision is written in the “World Charter for Nature” adopted by the UN General Assembly. Enjoying nature, its beauty and diversity has the highest value, not expressed in quantitative terms. Diversity is the basis for the evolution of life forms. The decline in species and genetic diversity undermines the further improvement of life forms on Earth.

The economic feasibility of preserving biodiversity is determined by the use of wild biota to meet the various needs of society in the fields of industry, agriculture, recreation, science and education: for the selection of domestic plants and animals, the genetic reservoir necessary for updating and maintaining the sustainability of varieties, the manufacture of medicines, as well as for providing the population with food, fuel, energy, timber, etc.

There are many ways to protect biodiversity. At the species level, there are two main strategic directions: in situ and out of habitat. Protecting biodiversity at the species level is an expensive and time-consuming path, possible only for selected species, but unattainable to protect the entire wealth of life on Earth. The main focus of the strategy should be at the ecosystem level, so that systematic ecosystem management ensures the protection of biological diversity at all three hierarchical levels.
The most effective and relatively economical way to protect biological diversity at the ecosystem level is protected areas.

In accordance with the classification of the World Conservation Union, there are 8 types of protected areas:

1.Reserve. The goal is to preserve nature and natural processes in an undisturbed state.

2.National park. The goal is conservation natural areas national and international importance For scientific research, education and recreation. Usually these are large areas in which the use natural resources and other material human influences are not allowed.

3.Nature monument. These are usually small areas.
4.Managed natural reserves. The collection of some natural resources is permitted under the control of the administration.

5.Protected landscapes and coastal species. These are picturesque mixed natural and cultivated areas with the preservation of traditional land use.
Statistics on protected areas usually include lands of categories 1-5.

6. Resource reserve created to prevent premature use of the territory.

7. An anthropological reserve created to preserve the traditional way of life of the indigenous population.

8.Territory for the multi-purpose use of natural resources, focused on the sustainable use of water, forests, animals and flora, pastures and for tourism.
There are two additional categories that overlap with the above eight.

9.Biosphere reserves. They are created to preserve biological diversity. They include several concentric zones of varying degrees of use: from a zone of complete inaccessibility (usually in the central part of the reserve) to a zone of reasonable, but quite intensive exploitation.

10.Places world heritage. Created to protect unique natural features of global significance. Management is carried out in accordance with the World Heritage Convention.

In total, there are about 10,000 protected areas (categories 1-5) in the world with a total area of 9.6 million km, or 7.1% of the total land area (excluding glaciers). The goal that the World Conservation Union sets for the world community is to achieve the expansion of protected areas to a size constituting 10% of the area of each large plant formation (biome) and, therefore, the world as a whole. This would not only help protect biodiversity, but also improve sustainability geographical environment generally.

The strategy to expand the number and area of protected areas is in conflict with the use of land for other purposes, especially in view of the growing world population. Therefore, to protect biological diversity, it is necessary, along with protected areas, to increasingly improve the use of “ordinary” inhabited lands and the management of populations of wild species, not only endangered ones, and their habitats on such lands. It is necessary to apply such techniques as zoning of areas according to the degree of use, creating corridors connecting land masses with less anthropogenic pressure, reducing the degree of fragmentation of biodiversity hotspots, managing ecotones, conserving natural wetlands, managing populations of wild species and their habitats.

TO effective ways protection of biological diversity include bioregional management of large areas and waters, as well as international agreements on this issue. The UN Conference on Environment and Development (1992) adopted international convention on the protection of biological diversity.

An important agreement is the Convention on international trade species of wild fauna and flora that are under threat of destruction. There are also a number of other conventions protecting various aspects of biological resources and biodiversity: the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, the Convention on the Conservation of Wetlands, the Whale Protection Convention, etc. Along with global conventions, there are also numerous regional and bilateral agreements governing specific biodiversity issues.

Unfortunately, for now it can be stated that, despite numerous measures, the accelerated erosion of the world's biological diversity continues. However, without these protections the extent of biodiversity loss would be even greater.

Global changes in biological diversity

The number of species of organisms inhabiting the Earth is very large, but estimates of this value vary greatly, ranging from 5 to 80 million. However, more or less clear taxonomic affiliation has been established for 1.4 million species. Of this known number of species, approximately 750 thousand are insects, 41 thousand are vertebrates, 250 thousand are plants. The remaining species are represented by a complex set of invertebrate animals, fungi, algae and other microorganisms.

The species “richness” of different climatic-geographical zones is very different, although there is a clear tendency to increase from the poles to the equator.

Biodiversity is the basis of life on Earth, one of the most important life resources. It is difficult to overstate the importance of the sheer number of goods and services that biodiversity provides.

Some species are vital. Thus, people use about 7 thousand species of plants for food, but 90% of the world's food is created from only 20, and 3 types of them (wheat, corn, rice) cover more than half of all needs.

Evolutionary processes that occurred in different geological periods led to significant changes species composition inhabitants of the Earth.

According to experts, approximately 25% of the Earth's total biodiversity will be seriously threatened with extinction in the next 20 to 30 years.

There are four main causes of species loss:

Habitat loss, fragmentation and modification;

Overexploitation of resources;

Environmental pollution;

crowding out natural species introduced exotic species.

In all cases, these causes are anthropogenic.

Measures to conserve biodiversity. It can be considered that one of the principles of environmental morality is the following: each generation has the right to the same biodiversity as the previous one.

Four types of measures are being developed aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

1. Protection of special habitats - creation of national parks, biosphere reserves and other security zones.

2. Protection of individual species or groups of organisms from overexploitation.

3. Preservation of species in the form of a gene pool in botanical gardens or gene banks.

4. Reduce environmental pollution.

An important means of preserving biodiversity is the development of international national programs and conventions aimed at implementing these measures.

The Convention on Biodiversity, adopted by 153 states, reflects the urgency of the situation and is the result of long-term efforts to reconcile the conflicting interests of various states.

Global environmental problems and priorities of the 21st century

In June 1997 in New York at a special session General Assembly The UN has summed up the results of its work over the 5 years that have passed since the 2nd UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro (COED-2). It is noted that the concept of sustainable development has not yet received a clear and constructive definition.

The state of affairs on environmental issues is as follows:

Fresh water is a high priority issue. Globally, water resources are sufficient. The severity of the problem is associated with low quality and water shortages, primarily in developing countries.

The issues that need to be addressed include: water supply problems in large cities, transboundary problems and ways to resolve possible conflicts.

Excessive exploitation of surface and groundwater is fraught with a drop in level groundwater, destruction and salinization of coastal water sources.

Oceans and seas. The problem of depletion of fish resources and protection of the marine environment remains acute. An analysis of the economic aspects of marine fisheries and information on the state of the marine environment is required.

The priority is considered to be the problem of the coastal regions of the World Ocean, which are subject to intense anthropogenic impact, including pollution.

Agriculture and forestry. The main concern about food production is that, despite the increasing use of fertilizers, the global average yield per hectare of arable land is decreasing. Uneven distribution of food resources remains.

Energy. The world's energy needs continue to increase. Average annual rate of energy development in 1970-1997. amounted to 2.3%. The contribution of developing countries increased during this period from 14 to 30%. The relative annual average global increase in energy consumption has decreased, as has energy consumption per unit of output. Taking into account the expected population growth to 10 billion people by 2100, energy production must be increased at least 4 times, and in developing countries - 10 times.

Increasing demands will have to be met through the use of non-renewable energy sources, which will lead to an increase in carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.

Transport. Global average growth of road transport for the period 1980-1993. reached 50%. The development of transport is a clear example of how advances in energy conservation due to engine improvements are offset by the impact of transport growth. By 2015, air transport pollution emissions into the atmosphere will increase 3 times.

Atmosphere. The main problem remains the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, which is the focus of attention in the study of climate change. As is known, the concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide have doubled compared to the pre-industrial period. If the current trend continues, by 2010 the temperature on the planet will increase by 1-3 C, which will cause a rise in the level of the World Ocean (according to various estimates from 0.3 to 1 m).

Waste. Municipal waste continues to grow.

The problem attracts particular attention hazardous waste. At the UN session, special attention was paid to radioactive waste- their safe storage and responsibility of countries.

Land surface and sustainable agriculture. Tasks in this area: stop the process of degradation of soil fertility, create conditions for sustainable agriculture. Food security depends on their solution, especially in the regions of Africa and Western Asia. Developing countries need financial support to meet their challenges.

Desertification and droughts. The measures are determined by the Convention to Combat Desertification and the documents of the session (1997).

Biodiversity. The main goals are defined by the Convention on Diversity: conservation and equitable use of biodiversity.

Tourism. Environmental and legal measures and international assistance to developing countries in the development of the tourism industry and restrictions are important negative consequences impact of tourism on the environment.

Natural disasters. The measures are provided for in the documents of the World Conference on Natural Disasters (1994). Against the backdrop of a trend toward increasing destructive consequences of natural disasters special attention required by developing countries that do not have early warning capabilities.

Man-made disasters. Main tasks - expansion international cooperation to eliminate the consequences.

Deforestation. KOSR-2, with special documents, noted the need to restore the Earth's forest cover on a global scale.

During 1980-2000 There has been a significant decrease in forest area in developing countries. Most significant losses tropical forests registered in Latin America and in the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. In some regions, especially in Western Asia, deforestation has led to increased soil erosion, and in Africa to increased sensitivity to floods.

Structure of production and consumption. The goals of changes in this area are formulated in the document “Agenda for the 21st Century”. The main task is to create a stable structure of consumption - production.

Views