Norway Faces the Greatest Degradation in Its History. Experts: "The Changes Are Irreversible"
Almost half of the species and natural forms present in Norway have been added to the new list of threatened ecosystems. One in four may disappear completely. Experts emphasize that the condition of many environments is deteriorating faster than previously thought.
Earth's biodiversity is declining faster than ever before.
Fot. Pxhere
The Red List update was published seven years after the previous edition. A team of 26 experts analyzed 876 species across Norway and assessed them for threats.
The results show that 44 percent were classified as threatened. As many as 201 species and natural forms—almost a quarter of all—may disappear completely. Specialists estimate that some of these changes could occur within the next few decades.
The results show that 44 percent were classified as threatened. As many as 201 species and natural forms—almost a quarter of all—may disappear completely. Specialists estimate that some of these changes could occur within the next few decades.
The Most Vulnerable Environments
The most difficult situation concerns terrestrial environments, where 166 out of 230 assessed are threatened. In freshwater environments, the main threats are river regulation, pollution, and shoreline development. Among landforms, 61 types are considered threatened, with climate change and intensive land transformation having the greatest impact.
In marine environments, 33 out of 172 species and types are threatened, particularly susceptible to industrial activity and warming waters. Many ecosystems are experiencing the simultaneous impact of several adverse factors.
In marine environments, 33 out of 172 species and types are threatened, particularly susceptible to industrial activity and warming waters. Many ecosystems are experiencing the simultaneous impact of several adverse factors.
Shorter winters and climate warming are driving dynamic changes in Norwegian ecosystems.Photo: stock.adobe.com/standardowa/Little Adventures
Growing Need for Environmental Monitoring
The data highlights the increasing importance of continuous monitoring of environmental changes. Experts note that many natural processes are occurring faster than just a few years ago. For this reason, the number of areas requiring constant observation and regular data updates has increased.
The priority is to identify places particularly sensitive to climate change and human activity. The collected information is intended to support decisions regarding the protection of areas that may soon require additional restrictions or remedial actions.
The priority is to identify places particularly sensitive to climate change and human activity. The collected information is intended to support decisions regarding the protection of areas that may soon require additional restrictions or remedial actions.
Factors Responsible for Degradation
Experts indicate that as many as 69 percent of species and natural types are affected by land transformation, agricultural activity, forestry, climate change, and pollution. An example is the tareskog, or underwater "kelp forest." In some places, it is recovering thanks to the involvement of volunteers.
Changes in the classification system have made the new Red List more detailed and precise. Municipalities, which manage most of the country's area, also play an important role. Land use decisions are expected to take into account the condition and value of local ecosystems.
Changes in the classification system have made the new Red List more detailed and precise. Municipalities, which manage most of the country's area, also play an important role. Land use decisions are expected to take into account the condition and value of local ecosystems.
Experts point out that many ecosystems are being destroyed by several factors simultaneously, accelerating degradation.Photo: Turid Haugen, NVE
Protective Measures and New Challenges
The Ministry of Climate and Environment emphasizes that key actions include limiting development, proper protection of threatened ecosystems, and developing a circular economy. Norway also has a system for protecting priority species and a ban on harvesting the most endangered plants and animals.
The latest nature index confirms a decline in biodiversity in many environments, especially forests and open areas. Climate change is also affecting the length of winter, which is becoming increasingly shorter. The environmental monitoring system is being modernized, and more accurate data is expected to support future conservation efforts.
The latest nature index confirms a decline in biodiversity in many environments, especially forests and open areas. Climate change is also affecting the length of winter, which is becoming increasingly shorter. The environmental monitoring system is being modernized, and more accurate data is expected to support future conservation efforts.
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