Environmental pollution and habitat alterations, particularly from intensive agriculture, have notably adverse effects on biodiversity, leading to declines in species diversity and altering community composition.

High mountain regions are particularly vulnerable, where specialized plant species are being displaced by lower-altitude species due to climate change, illustrating the phenomenon of 'elevator to extinction'.

While human intervention generally has harmful effects on biodiversity, the impact varies by location and the degree of species homogenization due to human activity.

Experts in ecology emphasize the need for maintaining large, genetically diverse populations of species that perform essential ecological functions.

A recent study conducted by Eawag and the University of Zurich, published in Nature, reveals the severe negative impact of human activities on global biodiversity.

This comprehensive research synthesizes data from approximately 2,100 studies across nearly 50,000 sites worldwide, comparing impacted sites with unaffected reference sites across various habitats.

The research indicates that human pressure not only reduces species numbers but also alters the composition of species communities, affecting vital ecosystem functions.

The study also highlights species community homogenization as a concern, with intensive agriculture making landscapes more similar, although some studies show varied trends.

On average, sites affected by human activities have nearly 20% fewer species compared to those that are unaffected, with particularly severe declines noted among reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.

The alarming findings serve as benchmarks for future research and conservation efforts, underscoring the urgent need to address the most impactful human influences on biodiversity.

The study identifies five main drivers contributing to biodiversity decline: habitat change, direct resource exploitation, climate change, invasive species, and pollution.

Overall, the analysis indicates that human impacts on biodiversity are unprecedented and detrimental across all ecosystems and species groups.