Biodiversity at risk: How climate change and human activities threaten ecosystems

By Raj Kumar Sinha*  

The theme for this year's International Biodiversity Day, which fell on May 22, was "Living in Harmony with Nature for Sustainable Development." Since ancient times, Indian sages had deep knowledge of nature conservation and human tendencies. They understood that humans, in pursuit of short-term benefits, could make grave mistakes, leading to severe losses. Thus, they established relationships between humans and nature to prevent significant damage. In India, various aspects of nature—trees, rivers, mountains, planets, fire, and wind—have been connected to human relationships. Trees are compared to offspring, while rivers are revered as mothers.

Biodiversity is fundamental to all life on Earth and is essential for the economic prosperity of all people. Some of the most biodiverse regions on Earth consist of a range of ecosystems, each enriched with unique flora and fauna. In these biodiversity hotspots, countless species coexist in complex ecosystems, playing crucial roles in maintaining the delicate balance of nature. The 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro established the standard definition of biodiversity, which states: "Biodiversity includes the variability among all living organisms from interregional, terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part."  

India is one of the world's most biodiverse countries, home to dense rainforests and coastal wetlands. It ranks among the top 10 biodiversity-rich nations globally. However, extensive issues such as climate change, pollution, over-exploitation, and land-use changes are driving biodiversity loss. Mangrove forests like the Sundarbans are facing "triple threats" of rising sea levels, reduced sediment deposits, and shrinking habitats. Forest fires further disrupt biodiversity.  

On May 16, Indian Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav addressed the "Sagarmatha Dialogue" in Kathmandu, discussing climate change and its impact on mountainous regions. He highlighted the increasing ecological vulnerability of the Himalayas, pointing to the rapid melting of glaciers. Despite contributing minimally to climate change, Himalayan communities face severe risks. Rising temperatures are forcing species to migrate to higher altitudes, endangering snow leopards and other high-altitude fauna. The Western Ghats, older than the Himalayas, span Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. To protect this region, the Indian government established the Gadgil Committee in 2011 and the Kasturirangan Committee in 2013. Experts recommended declaring Western Ghats as an ecologically sensitive zone with limited development. However, rampant mining, deforestation, and infrastructure development continue to threaten its biodiversity. Many regulations for construction in mountainous regions exist but are rarely enforced effectively.  

The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) warned in September 2020 that nature's degradation could increase the risk of future pandemics. India houses over 45,000 plant species and more than 90,000 animal species, including iconic creatures like Bengal tigers and Indian elephants. Forests and grasslands act as natural filters, purifying air and water. Diverse ecosystems enhance soil fertility and prevent erosion. Pollinators like bees and butterflies ensure successful crop production, while countless species form the foundation of the food chain, sustaining life on Earth. The leading causes of biodiversity loss include pollution, habitat destruction, hunting, the spread of invasive species, excessive exploitation of preferred species, climate change, and natural disasters.  

Fish play a vital role in maintaining balanced aquatic ecosystems. Scientists consider fish as bio-indicators—if water bodies lack fish, it signals an abnormal ecological condition. The natural flow of the Narmada River has been disrupted due to multiple dams built over the decades, threatening the existence of the state fish of Madhya Pradesh, the Mahseer.  

India requires a clear, multi-dimensional approach to tackling biodiversity loss. Conservation efforts must address root causes while involving local communities. The central government enacted the "Biodiversity Conservation Act, 2002," implemented in Madhya Pradesh through the "Biodiversity Rules, 2004." In 2005, the Madhya Pradesh Biodiversity Board was established. During the 17th meeting of the State Biodiversity Board, chaired by the Chief Secretary, it was decided to document the state's biodiversity through a public register, later transformed into a dynamic digital biodiversity register.  

The decline in vulture populations is a pressing concern. Once numbering over 40 million in India, vulture populations fell by nearly 99% by 2000, primarily due to the veterinary drug Diclofenac, which the Indian government has now banned. The positive impact of this ban is evident—vulture populations in Madhya Pradesh rose from 9,446 in 2021 to 10,845 in 2024, surpassing 12,000 in the first count of 2025. Many endangered plants and animal species require urgent conservation efforts.  

Indigenous people and local communities manage most of Earth's biodiversity, making their involvement in nature conservation and restoration crucial. Ensuring their active participation is imperative for sustaining biodiversity.  

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*With Bargi Dam Displaced and Affected Association