Invasive Alien Species Blamed for Over $423 Billion in Global Economic Costs, UN Report Reveals
A recent report by the United Nations has shed light on the alarming economic costs associated with invasive alien species. The study revealed that the global financial burden of these species reached a staggering $423 billion annually in 2019, with costs increasing at least fourfold every decade since 1970.
The report, conducted by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), discovered that human activities have led to the introduction of more than 37,000 species worldwide. Invasive species were identified as one of the top five “direct drivers” contributing to biodiversity loss.
Helen Roy, a professor and co-chairwoman for IPBES, emphasized the urgent need for action, stating, “The rapidly growing threat that invasive alien species pose to biodiversity, ecosystem services, sustainable development, and human wellbeing is generally poorly understood.” She expressed hope that the report would address critical knowledge gaps, support decision-makers, and raise public awareness to mitigate the impacts of invasive species.
According to the study, other factors influencing biodiversity loss include changes in land and sea use, direct species exploitation, climate change, and pollution. Notably, invasive alien species were found to be a “major factor” in 60 percent of animal and plant extinctions globally, and the sole driver in 16 percent of cases.
The study identified at least 218 invasive alien species responsible for over 1,200 species extinctions, with 85 percent of their impacts on native species being negative.
However, the report also highlighted the potential for prevention measures to combat future invasions. “The good news is that, for almost every context and situation, there are management tools, governance options, and targeted actions that really work,” stated Aníbal Pauchard, a professor and co-chairman of IPBES. He emphasized that prevention is the most effective and cost-efficient option, but eradication, containment, and control can also be effective in specific contexts.
Furthermore, the report emphasized that ecosystem restoration plays a crucial role in enhancing the outcomes of management actions and increasing the resilience of ecosystems against future invasive species. Pauchard explained, “Indeed, managing invasive alien species can help to mitigate the negative effects of other drivers of change.”
The findings of the report serve as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing the issue of invasive alien species. By implementing prevention and management strategies, decision-makers can mitigate the economic and ecological impacts and protect biodiversity and ecosystem services.
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