Zurich — The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) has shown that the cultivation of coconuts, oil palms, and soybeans contributes significantly more to the loss of animal and plant species than previously thought. However, the steadily rising consumption does not cause species extinction in the places where these oils are consumed.
(CONNECT) In a new study, ETH estimates that oil crops account for the loss of about 1.5 percent of global biodiversity. According to a statement from the university, this means that, among these crops, oil palm, soy, and coconut are primarily responsible for more species extinction than previously thought. Together, they account for about 75 percent of the loss of biodiversity caused by oil crops.
These are the findings of the research team led by Stephan Pfister, who is a professor of quantitative sustainability assessment at ETH. In this world-first study, the group investigated the extent to which the increasing cultivation and consumption of oil crops threaten animal and plant species.
To this end, the team analyzed global data on production, trade, and land use that had been collected over several decades. It also created maps of global oilseed cultivation based on satellite data, agricultural statistics, and global datasets. In addition, the researchers calculated the extent to which various forms of land use threaten animal and plant species.
In addition, the study highlights the impacts of oilseed cultivation along global supply chains. This makes it possible to understand, for example, how soy from Brazil is used as animal feed in China or Europe “and thus ultimately enables high meat consumption.”
Between 1995 and 2020, biodiversity loss increased by 80 percent—but not primarily due to global population growth, explains doctoral candidate and co-author Shuntian Wang: “Per-capita consumption is the most significant driver of biodiversity loss. Yet a large portion of this loss does not occur in the place where consumption takes place.”
Tropical regions are particularly affected. However, 80 percent of these effects are caused by the EU, China, and the U.S. “One key strategy is to invest in improved production methods and the protection of ecosystems in producing countries,” said Pfister. Above all, however, our consumption habits must change. ce/mm
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