A University of Queensland and CSIRO study has found that wilderness areas in Australia, where human impact is minimal or absent, halves the global risk of species extinction.
Biodiversity and Conservation Science Director at UQ, Professor James Watson said vital wilderness areas could not be restored and urgent action is needed to ensure these areas were marked for conservation and remained protected.
“Beyond saving biodiversity, Earth’s remaining intact ecosystems are critical in abating climate change, regulating essential bio-geo-chemical and water cycles, and ensuring the retention of long-term bio-cultural connections of indigenous communities,” Professor Watson said.