Nearly three-fifths of all animals with a backbone— fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals—have been wiped out since 1970 by human appetites and activity, according to a grim study released on Thursday. Swathes of coral reef around the globe have already turned white, killed by warming waters, pollution and disease. The findings are based on long-term monitoring of some 3,700 vertebrate species spread across more than 14,000 distinct populations. The five main drivers of wildlife decline—in order of importance—are habitat loss, overconsumption, pollution, invasive species and disease, according to the report. Climate change is poised to become a major threat in the coming decades, with some animals already in decline due to rising temperatures and changing weather patterns.

Living Planet Report: WWF paints dire picture for survival of the species. (2016. November 5). Philippine Daily Inquirer, pp. A8, A9.