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Nature is critical to our survival: nature provides us with our oxygen, regulates our weather patterns, pollinates our crops, produces our food, feed and fibre. But it is under increasing stress. Human activity has altered almost 75 per cent of the earth’s surface, squeezing wildlife and nature into an ever-smaller corner of the planet.
Around 1 million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction – many within decades – according to the 2019 Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service. The report called for transformative changes to restore and protect nature. It found that the health of ecosystems on which we and all other species depend is deteriorating more rapidly than ever, affecting the very foundations of our economies, livelihoods, food security, health and quality of life worldwide.
Deforestation and desertification – caused by human activities and climate change – pose major challenges to sustainable development and have affected the lives and livelihoods of millions of people. Forests are vitally important for sustaining life on Earth, and play a major role in the fight against climate change. And investing in land restoration is critical for improving livelihoods, reducing vulnerabilities, and reducing risks for the economy.
The health of our planet also plays an important role in the emergence of zoonotic diseases, i.e. diseases that are transmissible between animals and humans. As we continue to encroach on fragile ecosystems, we bring humans into ever-greater contact with wildlife, enabling pathogens in wildlife to spill over to livestock and humans, increasing the risk of disease emergence and amplification.
ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE
 Cite a political initiative
Link to a political initiative or policy supporting the Life on Land agenda
Add new theme
Suggest a theme or sub-theme that fits within the objectives of the Life on Land agenda
Add new issue or concern
Suggest an issue or concern that arises within the context of the Life on Land agenda where you have some particular expertise or insight
Add new keyword or tag
Suggest a subject or factor or aspect of Life on Land which you believe adds new insight into realizing this goal
Add new agreement or charter
Suggest a charter or agreement or statement made by some group or individual which you feel is significant
Contact NGO
Contact an agency or group or Non-governmental Organization (NGO) and invite their participation
Invite person
Contact a person and invite their participation
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