Biodiversity in drastic decline

Losing nature - 8th November 2021

The number of animals and plants on Earth is going down. In 1970, the world had 70 percent more animals.

The number of different animals and plants is going down too. This means we have less 'biodiversity'.

Biodiversity is very important for the world. It helps the Earth work. And it helps humans too. It gives us things we need like food, water and medicines.

The Natural History Museum in London studies biodiversity. It looks at the different kinds of plants and animals in different countries. It says the UK only has 50 percent of its biodiversity. Across the world, the level is 75 percent. But scientists say we need 90 percent.

Now, there are two world meetings about the environment. One is in China, and one is in Scotland, COP26. These meetings are important for the Earth's future. And they're important for our future too.