Intl experts raise alarm over the accelerating loss of biodiversity

Global experts have expressed concern about the accelerating loss of biodiversity due to global environmental changes, highlighting the need for strengthened scientific research to address the issue.

"We are now in an epoch of anthropogenic, dramatic global environmental change, which has many manifestations," said Rodolfo Dirzo, a biology professor at Stanford University in the United States.

Dirzo added that the most critical issue is the loss of biological diversity, adding that this may trigger a more serious negative cycle. He cited the severe decline of vultures in India due to human factors. The 95 percent reduction in their population over that period resulted in a series of negative consequences, including an increase in the number of stray dogs, a rise in rabies cases, and an uptick in public healthcare costs.

He highlighted the critical role of science in providing the basis for addressing this issue, emphasizing the need to stop destroying habitats, to cease overexploiting resources, and to work in a multidisciplinary manner.

He made the remarks at a recent conference in Beijing, themed "Addressing the Challenge of Biological Consequences of Global Changes", a parallel forum of the 2025 World Science and Technology Development Forum, held during the China Association for Science and Technology's first international month.

Sun Baojun, a researcher from the Institute of Zoology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, echoed Dirzo's view, saying that limited resources, funds, and energy for protection efforts necessitate proactive research to identify which areas or species are most vulnerable.

Sun pointed out that the physiological responses of animals, along with variations in climate and how animals react to these changes, should be taken into consideration.

He cited that his team has found that lizards from low-latitude regions are more vulnerable and should be prioritized for protection if necessary.

Yu Shiying contributed to this story.