2. Exploitation of organisms

Direct exploitation of organisms is the number 2 of direct drivers.

Humans extract more from Earth …

…than ever before. Overexploitation of animals, plants and other organisms happens via harvesting, logging, hunting and fishing.

Facts

  • Resources: 60 billion tons of resources are being extracted each year.
  • Fishing: 55% of oceans are covered by industrial fishing and 33% of fish stocks are overexploited.
  • Population: 110% increase in global population (from 3.7 to 7.7 billion) since 1970 results in growing consumption.