Scientists: a quarter of all freshwater animals are on the brink of extinction

Meanwhile, while states fight for power, promote their political interests, and plunge society into "manageable chaos", global ecocide on the planet continues so rapidly that we risk facing COMPLETELY IRREVERSIBLE consequences in the next few decades.

On January 8, 2025, a new scientific study was published under the title "A quarter of freshwater fauna is under threat of extinction". Dozens of scientists from around the world, the best specialists, worked on this work!

In general, this scientific work can safely be combined with the early results of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF - recognized as an undesirable organization in Russia). In their report "Living Planet", they presented evidence - from 1970 to 2020, the number of populations of freshwater species has decreased by 85%.

This was caused - by human activity.

Think about it! Just 50 years and the planet has lost 85% of its freshwater evolutionary history. That which formed for millions of years - was destroyed by humans in decades.

And now a new scientific work, from other scientists. They have calculated how many of the remaining 15% of freshwater species on the planet are on the brink of extinction.

According to their results, in the next few decades, about 24% of the species will disappear. This includes all fish, crustaceans, and dragonflies. Moreover, we are not talking about the total biomass, but specifically about species diversity, which is the most valuable for wildlife, as genetic diversity of biological systems - forms the complexity of the Biosphere, and the loss of genetics - creates an "evolution rollback" of the Earth.

It will take at least 5-7 million years of evolution for the planet to form the destroyed species! I wrote about this with reference to the scientific meta-research of scientists in my Concept of Territories of Complete Ecological Calm.

In the new scientific work, scientists assessed the health of almost 24,000 freshwater species. At the same time, specialists note that their findings are likely only the "tip of the iceberg", as there is still a lack of necessary information to accurately determine the risk of extinction of thousands of species.

I want to quote Catherine Sayer - the lead author of the study.

"The lack of data on freshwater biodiversity can no longer be used as an excuse for inaction. Freshwater landscapes are home to 10% of all known species on Earth and play a key role in providing billions of people with safe drinking water, livelihoods, fighting floods, and mitigating the effects of climate change. They need to be protected for both nature and people."

Having studied the scientists' research, I have highlighted the main results. So, perhaps the most important thing is to determine the main threats, from what exactly freshwater species are dying!

• Water pollution (54% of threatened species)
• Dams and water extraction (39%)
• Agriculture and land use changes (37%)
• Invasive species and diseases due to ecosystem degradation (28%)
• Overfishing (27%)

As you can see - all the reasons are due to human activity. The causes are usually complex, that is, several anthropogenic factors can affect one species at once.

I know that some people will say, "well, the fish died, so what?" Ignorance begins with society, and reaches to the "highest power" of the state!

And yet, most people in our society - I think, do not need to explain that freshwater ecosystems support over 10% of all known species on the planet, including a third of all vertebrates and half of all fish. They also provide vital ecosystem services, including nutrient cycling!

And people have turned rivers into "sewer pipes" to drain all impurities, poisons, and chemicals. All our sewage eventually ends up in rivers, so that the flow "takes them away from sight." Somewhere into the seas and oceans! Killing life first in rivers and then in marine ecosystems.

In their work, scientists noted another key point. The thing is, the presented data on 24% of freshwater species, which are already on the brink of extinction in the next few decades, is only an approximate assessment! That is, specific proven facts. In reality, the situation is much worse, as there is a suspicion of another 23% of species - which may be on the brink of extinction, but there is not enough research or information about them. Therefore, it is currently impossible to assess the real scale of ecocide.

I think that in the modern world, where neural network algorithmic systems, combined databases (arrays), and various technological capabilities are actively being created, scientists will soon be able to conduct their research much more actively and on a larger scale! And then we will get not only qualitative data on the impact of humans on the Biosphere, but also possible calculations of specific deadlines, including the time that is given to us to "think" and solve problems.

What can you do right now?

Spread this material in all social networks to help people know the truth! Have you heard anything about this new scientific research? Maybe you saw it in the top search engine results, in the news feeds of major federal media? Or maybe they talked about it on the morning news on TV?

No.

The truth is, right now our own habitat is being destroyed, not just wild animals. Freshwater ecosystems are sources of fresh water, they are the resources on which we and our children depend.

Let's fight for Life! And the first step is to spread the truth, not be afraid to voice it, and look into the eyes of the problems that urgently need to be solved.

A global ecocide is happening in the world!

Stand up for Life.

© PAVEL PASHKOV