background image

More than 1 in 3 tree species are at risk of going extinct, new analysis shows

author image

By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on CNN or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Thousands of tree species are facing extinction, particularly in vulnerable regions like islands and the Amazon, according to the Red List report
• Deforestation and climate-related impacts, such as rising sea levels, pose severe risks to these species
• Trees are vital for oxygen production, carbon absorption, and ecosystem support, yet they are increasingly threatened by human activities

🔭 The context: The Red List is the most comprehensive index of species at risk of extinction, categorizing them by threat levels
• On islands like Fiji and Madagascar, and across South America’s Amazon, agriculture, livestock expansion, and habitat loss are the primary drivers of deforestation
• The loss of trees signals broader ecosystem declines, with widespread implications for biodiversity and climate stability

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Trees play a critical role in mitigating climate change by absorbing CO₂, supporting biodiversity, and stabilizing ecosystems
• The extinction of tree species disrupts these functions, compounding the effects of climate change and endangering species that rely on these ecosystems

⏭️ What's next: Immediate conservation action is essential to protect at-risk tree species and their ecosystems
• Efforts must prioritize preventing deforestation, restoring habitats, and adapting policies to mitigate climate impacts

💬 One quote: “Can you imagine a planet without trees? …the task we have is huge” – Aguilar, conservationist

📈 One stat: In South America, 3,356 out of 13,668 assessed tree species are at risk of extinction

Click for more news covering the latest on biodiversity

Did you enjoy this illuminem voice? Support us by sharing this article!
author photo

About the author

illuminem's editorial team - providing you with concise summaries of the most important sustainability news of the day.

Follow us on Linkedin, Twitter​ & Instagram

Other illuminem Voices


Related Posts


You cannot miss it!

Weekly. Free. Your Top 10 Sustainability & Energy Posts.

You can unsubscribe at any time (read our privacy policy)