The sixth mass extinction is coming.
A draft report from the United Nations obtained by Agence France-Presse says that up to 1 million species of living organisms face extinction as a result of human influence.
The report, which is set to be revealed on May 6, adds that the loss of biodiversity, while closely linked, poses "no less of a threat" than climate change. Deforestation has led to the loss of greenhouse gas-absorbing trees, polluted waters are killing protein-rich fish and limiting clean drinking water, and pollinating insects are dying rapidly.
The pace of species loss is reportedly already "tens to hundreds of times higher than it has been, than it has been, over the last 10 million years." Wild mammal biomass is down 82 percent, per AFP. The causes of species loss are shrinking habitats, hunting, climate change, pollution, and invasive species, all of which can be traced to human actions.
"We need to recognize that climate change and loss of nature are equally important, not just for the environment, but as development and economic issues as well," Robert Watson, chair of the U.N.-mandated body that compiled the report told AFP. He added that only "transformative change" can stop the damage. Read more at Agence France-Presse.