87% of Oceans and 77% of Land Ecosystems are Facing Collapse from Human Activity
Human activity has dramatically altered the majority of Earth’s oceans and land surfaces, leading to widespread ecosystem disruption. Recent studies have revealed the extent of this impact, with 87% of oceans and 77% of land surfaces showing significant alterations due to human influence.
Ocean Alteration:
The staggering 87% figure for ocean alteration comes from a comprehensive study published in Current Biology. This research found that only 13% of the world’s oceans remain untouched by the damaging impacts of humanity. The remaining wilderness areas are primarily located in remote Pacific regions and polar areas.
Key factors contributing to ocean alteration include:
1. Fishing: Industrial fishing has expanded to cover at least 55% of the ocean’s surface
2. Pollution: Marine plastic pollution and other contaminants affect vast areas of the ocean
3. Shipping: Global maritime trade has led to increased vessel traffic and…