Study: Quarter of Global Freshwater Species Face Extinction Risk

Facts

• A comprehensive assessment of 23,496 freshwater species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has revealed that 24% of freshwater fauna, including fish, dragonflies, and crustaceans, are at high risk of extinction.^[1][2]
• Decapod crustaceans face the highest threat level at 30%, followed by freshwater fish at 26%, while dragonflies and damselflies show a 16% risk of extinction.^[3][4]
• Since the year 1500, roughly 89 freshwater species (0.4%) have gone extinct, with the majority being freshwater fish —particularly concentrated in regions like the USA, Mexico, and the Philippines' Lake Lanao.^[1][4]
• The greatest concentrations of threatened species are currently found in Africa's Lake Victoria, South America's Lake Titicaca, Sri Lanka's Wet Zone, and India's Western Ghats — areas known for their exceptional freshwater biodiversity.^[4][5]
• The study found that agricultural and forestry pollution impacts over 50% of threatened freshwater species, while dams and water extraction affect 39% and land-use changes impact 37%.^[3][4][5]
• Freshwater ecosystems cover less than 1% of Earth but host over 10% of species, including one-third of vertebrates and half of fish. Freshwater biodiversity is considered a bulwark against the impacts of climate change.^[1][4][6]

Sources: ^[1]Nature, ^[2]The Times, ^[3]ABC News, ^[4]IUCN, ^[5]Climate Action and ^[6]PHYS.

Narratives

• Narrative A, as provided by Down To Earth. Climate change is decimating freshwater marine life by altering temperatures and flow regimes, exacerbating other threats like invasive species and increased water demand. With nearly 25% of studied freshwater species at risk of extinction, urgent action is crucial to prevent the collapse of these vital ecosystems that support global biodiversity, human water security, and climate regulation. Immediate conservation efforts are essential to halt this biodiversity crisis.
• Narrative B, as provided by Archive. Conserving water and protecting species can be effectively achieved without the need for climate alarmism. Focus on practical conservation activities, like improving water quality in underserved areas and reducing pollution exposure, can make a major difference. These actions support both ecological health and local economies, ensuring sustainable habitats for freshwater species without relying on broad, sweeping climate policies that might divert resources from direct environmental protection efforts.