zeit.de
Germany: Species Extinction Accelerates Despite Some Recoveries
While some species like the otter and sea eagle are recovering in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, due to conservation efforts, a drastic decline in insect populations, primarily caused by intensive agriculture, highlights the ongoing biodiversity crisis, with an estimated 150 species going extinct daily worldwide.
- What is the immediate impact of the biodiversity loss in Germany, and what specific evidence supports this?
- Germany is experiencing a significant decline in insect populations, with a 75% decrease in flying insect biomass observed between 1989 and 2016. This loss directly impacts ecosystems and food chains, as evidenced by the over 90% decline in the Kiebitz bird population due to intensive agricultural practices. The daily extinction of an estimated 150 species worldwide further underscores the crisis.
- How does intensive agriculture contribute to species loss in Germany, and what are the specific consequences?
- Intensive agriculture, characterized by year-round indoor cattle farming and mechanized mowing of meadows, eliminates habitats for species like the Kiebitz. The use of highly effective insecticides further reduces insect populations, creating a "dead silence" in spring. This monoculture approach, replacing diverse landscapes with silage fields, disrupts established ecosystems and food webs.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of inaction on biodiversity loss in Germany, and what steps are being suggested to mitigate this?
- Continued inaction could lead to further ecosystem collapse, impacting food security and human well-being. Suggested solutions include providing farmers with incentives to adopt less intensive practices, such as a grazing premium, and promoting landscape diversification through initiatives like creating flowering strips and restoring hedgerows. Individual actions, like purchasing regional products, are also encouraged.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of both the decline and recovery of species in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. While it highlights the alarming rate of species extinction globally and the significant decline in insect populations due to intensive agriculture, it also showcases examples of successful conservation efforts leading to the recovery of species like the otter and sea eagle. The inclusion of both positive and negative aspects prevents a solely alarmist or overly optimistic framing.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. The article uses quotes from the environment minister and BUND, presenting their views without overt bias. While terms like "Totenstille" (dead silence) are evocative, they are used to describe a scientifically observed phenomenon rather than to manipulate the reader's emotions.
Bias by Omission
The article could benefit from including information on the specific policies and funding mechanisms used to support the successful conservation efforts mentioned. Also, the long-term effects of climate change on biodiversity in Schleswig-Holstein are not discussed, which might be a relevant omission. However, given the article's length and focus, these omissions may be acceptable given space constraints.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article directly addresses the decline in biodiversity and the impact of human activities on various species, aligning with SDG 15, Life on Land. The significant reduction in insect populations due to intensive agriculture, the decline of bird species like the Kiebitz, and the overall loss of biodiversity are explicitly mentioned. Conversely, the article also highlights success stories of species recovery (e.g., otters, sea eagles) demonstrating that positive change is possible with conservation efforts. This makes the impact both negative (due to widespread biodiversity loss) and positive (due to successful conservation initiatives).