Biodiversity Loss Driven by Global Consumption Patterns

Key Findings of the Study

The study identifies that high-income countries are responsible for 13.3% of global species range loss. This occurs as these nations import products, pushing other countries to exploit their natural resources. The US, Germany, Japan, and China are the top contributors to this phenomenon. The adverse effects of these consumption patterns are often more severe internationally than domestically.

Deforestation and Species Range Loss

Deforestation for commodities, such as vanilla, has led to habitat destruction. Madagascar is particularly affected, with almost half of its species range loss attributed to the demands of 24 driver countries. This marks the direct link between consumer choices in developed nations and biodiversity crises in distant ecosystems.