Manama: The global destruction of wetlands, which play a crucial role in supporting fisheries, agriculture, and flood control, could result in an economic loss of up to $39 trillion by 2050. This alarming forecast was revealed in a report by the Convention on Wetlands, highlighting the economic consequences of the continued degradation of these vital ecosystems.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the report indicates that approximately 22% of wetlands have vanished since 1970. This includes both freshwater systems, such as peatlands, rivers, and lakes, and coastal marine systems, including mangroves and coral reefs. The report emphasizes that wetlands are disappearing at the fastest rate compared to any other ecosystem.
The primary drivers behind this rapid decline include land-use changes, pollution, agricultural expansion, and the introduction of invasive species. Additionally, climate change impacts, such as rising sea levels and increased drought incidents, are exacerbating the loss of these ecosystems. The report calls for urgent global action to address these pressures and protect remaining wetlands to mitigate the projected economic losses.