One in three tree species is threatened with extinction

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Scientists agree that there have been five different mass extinctions: we are currently living through a period that is considered the sixth mass extinction, an unprecedented event because it is mainly caused by human activities, although it cannot be called the Anthropocene. This extinction differs from previous ones because, instead of being caused by cataclysms or geological changes, it is accelerated by the activities of a single species: man, who, with deforestation, pollution, emissions and almost everything else he does, radically transforms the planet. There are thousands of plant and animal species that risk disappearing in the coming decades, bringing with them a genetic and functional heritage that is indispensable for ecosystems.

Insects, often overlooked, are undergoing an equally dramatic decline, the effects of which we can easily see. We have already talked about it, but the causes are many and the problem is complex: habitat loss, pesticides, pollution and climate change are drastically reducing their populations. According to recent studies, many insect species have seen declines of more than 40 per cent in recent decades, but some taxa could be as much as 75 per cent. This reduction not only threatens biodiversity, but also the essential ecosystem services that insects provide, such as pollination, decomposition of organic waste and pest control. A world without insects would mean a severely impoverished world in which the very survival of plants, animals and humans would be severely compromised.

The IUCN, an acronym for the International Union for Conservation of Nature, is one of the leading global organisations concerned with environmental conservation and the protection of biodiversity. Founded in 1948, the IUCN promotes conservation projects in collaboration with governments, NGOs, local communities and private entities. The IUCN Red Lists, which we have already discussed here, are a key tool for monitoring the conservation status of species and natural populations. By classifying species according to their extinction risk, from 'vulnerable' to 'critically endangered', they offer an essential scientific assessment for planning conservation actions worldwide.

The IUCN Red Lists are an essential tool for assessing biodiversity, accurately showing the risk of extinction for the thousands of species assessed. They are not simply lists, but provide essential data for building conservation strategies, helping the agencies involved to set priorities for action. Without this information, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to plan targeted and effective conservation programmes. The Red Lists also stimulate public awareness of biodiversity and the challenges it faces, urging governments and civil society to take action to halt the global decline of species through the preservation of habitats.

According to the latest IUCN report, released on 24 October this year, over a third of global tree species are threatened with extinction. Although under varying degrees of threat, this potential loss endangers not only the greenness of our planet, but the entire ecological balance. Thousands of species of insects, fungi, bacteria, and to a large extent man himself depend on trees, and the decline of trees poses a serious threat to biodiversity. Moreover, this crisis is not only limited to remote forests: even in protected areas close to us, many tree species are rapidly disappearing, endangering the delicate balance that governs them.

Of all the species on the Red Lists, the majority of endangered species are found in islands, from Fiji to Madagascar to Cuba. The causes are varied: deforestation for urban development, agriculture, the introduction of invasive species, pests and diseases are all elements that, together, create a complex problem to tackle. In addition, climate change has become a primary driver, especially in tropical areas, due to rising sea levels and increasingly intense weather events. Even in South America the amount of threatened trees is extremely significant, especially in areas where deforestation is practised to free up space to create pastures for livestock.

The main threats to trees include deforestation, agricultural expansion, urbanisation and forest fires. Added to these are the effects of climate change, such as drought and desertification, which worsen living conditions for many trees. The extinction of large numbers of tree species compromises entire food chains, reduces the ability of forests to absorb CO₂, and destabilises ecosystems. The loss of trees, especially large, old trees that were once common, also negatively affects ecological resilience, making the planet more vulnerable to natural disasters and global warming.

Trees provide crucial ecosystem services: they contribute greatly to the absorption of carbon dioxide and the subsequent production of oxygen, and play a unique role in conserving water and protecting soil from erosion. They regulate the climate and keep temperatures lower in our cities, as well as supporting an infinite variety of species; for these reasons, but not only, it is crucial to maintain biodiversity. The disappearance of trees, or even their substantial decline, would greatly reduce the ability of ecosystems to store carbon, contributing to the increase of greenhouse gases. A world with fewer trees would be characterised by higher temperatures, more drought problems, with more landslides and mudslides every time there is heavy rain, a poorer natural environment and less resilient to climate change.

The conservation of trees and tree species is essential to ensure a sustainable and biodiverse future. Each of these plants contributes to the balance of ecosystems, climate stability and soil health. Oases and nature reserves are vital tools for the protection of threatened trees, as they provide safe and monitored habitats. Increasing the area of these protected areas and improving the management of existing forests are key actions to safeguard the future of many species, reminding us that it is not enough to plant trees to protect the planet. Only by actively protecting our trees and mitigating the effects of climate change can we effectively preserve global biodiversity.