--- title: Human Impact on Biodiversity | Pixcellence description: Discover the impact of human activity on biodiversity and learn how we can protect the Earth's plants, animals, and natural habitats. Read now! image: https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/hubfs/blog/images/human-impact-on-biodiversity-watercolour-2026.jpg --- [![Pixcellence-Logo-CLR-Sidelock](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Pixcellence-Logo-CLR-Sidelock.png?width=312&height=75&name=Pixcellence-Logo-CLR-Sidelock.png) ![Pixcellence-Logo-CLR-Sidelock](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Pixcellence-Logo-CLR-Sidelock.png?width=312&height=75&name=Pixcellence-Logo-CLR-Sidelock.png)](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/) [![Pixcellence-Logo-CLR-Sidelock](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Pixcellence-Logo-CLR-Sidelock.png?width=312&height=75&name=Pixcellence-Logo-CLR-Sidelock.png)](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/) - [Topics](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/#px-topics) - [Biodiversity](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/what-is-biodiversity) - [UK Ecosystems & Habitats](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/ecosystems-types-examples-uk-guide) - [Climate & Nature](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/climate-change-what-is-it-uk-guide) - [Wildlife & the Law](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/protected-species-uk-guide) - [For Students & Teachers](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/#px-students) - [About](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/#px-about) - [All Guides](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog) - [Topics](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/#px-topics) - [Topics](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/#px-topics) - [Biodiversity](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/what-is-biodiversity) - [UK Ecosystems & Habitats](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/ecosystems-types-examples-uk-guide) - [Climate & Nature](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/climate-change-what-is-it-uk-guide) - [Wildlife & the Law](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/protected-species-uk-guide) - [For Students & Teachers](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/#px-students) - [About](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/#px-about) - [All Guides](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog) [Pixcellence Blog](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog) Categories **Browse All Categories** - [biodiversity](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/tag/biodiversity) - [conservation](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/tag/conservation) - [definition](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/tag/definition) - [climate change](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/tag/climate-change) - [photography](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/tag/photography) ![Clwyd Probert](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/hubfs/blog/authors/clwyd-probert-watercolour-400.webp) By [Clwyd Probert](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/author/clwyd-probert) on February 17, 2023 [biodiversity](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/tag/biodiversity) # The Impact of Human Activity on Biodiversity and Life Diversity ## Introduction Humans have been altering the environment since the beginning of their existence, but with modern technology, the [scale and impact of this transformation have grown](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/threats-to-biodiversity-human-impact) immensely. Humans reached Australia at least 50,000 years ago. Some researchers think their use of fire changed the plant life there, although climate change is also a likely cause and [scientists still debate the balance](https://australian.museum/learn/australia-over-time/megafauna/). Whatever the cause, changes in plant life changed which animals could live there, which shows how changes in the environment can change whole communities. ## The Positive and Negative Impacts of Human Activity on Ecosystems ![human impact on biodiversity positive negative](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/human-impact-on-biodiversity-positive-negative.jpg?width=640&height=640&name=human-impact-on-biodiversity-positive-negative.jpg)The impact of humans on the environment has been both positive and negative. Invasive non-native species, for instance, can cause serious harm to native species, and are one of the five main direct drivers of nature loss ([IPBES, 2019](https://www.ipbes.net/global-assessment)). In [Australia, cats are a significant problem](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/aug/12/its-time-australia-recognised-cats-and-their-impact-as-a-major-environmental-issue) as they hunt small marsupials and mammals for food or fun, leading to a decrease in the population of native species, and even extinction. To help protect native species, the Australian Wildlife Conservancy recommends keeping pet cats indoors or in a contained outdoor area. ## Climate Change as a Result of Human Activity The burning of fossil fuels has released large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, causing the Earth's average temperature to rise. This has led to a number of impacts on the environment, including the melting of glaciers, the rise in sea levels, and more extreme weather events. Warming [melts polar ice](https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/six-ways-loss-of-arctic-ice-impacts-everyone) and expands seawater, and both raise sea levels. ## The Rise of Human Population and Its Impact on Ecosystems ![human impact on biodiversity population rise](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/human-impact-on-biodiversity-polulation-rise.jpg?width=640&height=640&name=human-impact-on-biodiversity-polulation-rise.jpg)The world population passed 8 billion in November 2022 ([UN](https://www.un.org/development/desa/pd/content/World-Population-Prospects-2022)), which is having a large impact on ecosystems. As the human population increases, more land is needed for housing and development, which leads to the destruction of natural habitats. Destruction of natural habitats is a very big issue. It is the process by which natural habitat is destroyed, and the biodiversity of an ecosystem is completely reduced. The increase in human activity is leading to the extinction of many different species. In Australia, there is fossil evidence of a greater variety of marsupials than there are now. This is because giant marsupials such as Diprotodon, a huge wombat-like animal, became extinct tens of thousands of years ago, and scientists debate how far climate change and human activity were to blame. ## Habitat Destruction and Its Impact on Biodiversity [Habitat destruction](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/habitat-destruction) is such a big problem because land-use change ranks first among the direct drivers of [species extinction](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/species-extinction) on land and in fresh water ([IPBES, 2019](https://www.ipbes.net/global-assessment)). At sea, direct exploitation such as overfishing ranks first. In the UK the decline is measurable: UK species have fallen 19% on average since 1970 ([State of Nature 2023](https://stateofnature.org.uk/)), and farmland birds are down 63% since 1970 ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/wild-bird-populations-in-the-uk)). ## Preserving Natural Habitats It is crucial to find alternative ways to accommodate the growing human population without destroying natural habitats. One solution is to build at higher density on land that is already developed, rather than expand outwards into natural habitat. This will require cooperation from governments, businesses, and individuals to reduce their impact on the environment and protect the biodiversity of life around us. This will also involve education and awareness-raising about the importance of protecting natural habitats and the need for sustainable living practices. Another way to protect natural habitats is through the [establishment of protected areas](https://bio.libretexts.org/Courses/Fresno_City_College/Introduction_to_Conservation_Biology/17%3A_The_Importance_of_Protected_Areas/17.02%3A_Establishing_Protected_Areas), such as national parks and wildlife reserves. These areas provide a safe haven for a diverse range of plants and animals and allow for research and monitoring of ecosystems. Additionally, promoting sustainable practices, such as reducing the use of single-use plastics, reducing carbon emissions, and protecting natural habitats, can help to mitigate the impact of human activity on the environment. Encouraging and supporting sustainable agriculture, forestry, and fishing practices can also help to preserve biodiversity and protect natural habitats. ## Collaborative Efforts to Protect Biodiversity Protecting biodiversity requires collaboration and partnership between individuals, businesses, organisations, and governments. This includes the development of policies and regulations that promote sustainable practices and protect natural habitats. The United Nations has set goals for sustainable development, including the protection of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, the reduction of carbon emissions, and the promotion of sustainable practices in agriculture and other industries. Furthermore, there are several organisations and initiatives working to protect biodiversity, such as the World Wildlife Fund, Conservation International, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature. These organisations work towards promoting conservation, sustainable practices, and research to protect biodiversity and natural habitats. ## Conclusion The impact of human activity on the environment has been both positive and negative. The [arrival of humans in Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prehistory_of_Australia) at least 50,000 years ago may have changed plant life there through the use of fire, although the causes are still debated. Invasive species, climate change, and habitat destruction are also significant threats to biodiversity and the environment. As the world population continues to grow, it is crucial to find alternative ways to accommodate the growing human population without destroying natural habitats. This will require collaboration between individuals, businesses, organisations, and governments to promote sustainable practices and protect natural habitats. ## FAQ Q: [What is biodiversity](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/what-is-biodiversity)? A: Biodiversity means all the different living things on Earth, like plants and animals. Q: Why is biodiversity important? A: Biodiversity is important because it helps make the world beautiful and healthy. Different animals and plants have important jobs in nature, like cleaning the air and water, pollinating flowers, and providing food for other animals. Q: What are some things that humans do that hurt biodiversity? A: Sometimes people clear away forests or other habitats to build homes or roads. This can make it hard for animals and plants to live there. People also sometimes use harmful chemicals or introduce new animals that don't belong in an area, which can hurt the plants and animals that do belong there. Q: What is climate change? A: Climate change is when the Earth gets warmer over time mainly because burning coal, oil and gas releases greenhouse gases. Q: Why is climate change bad for biodiversity? A: Climate change can hurt plants and animals in many different ways. It can make it too hot or too dry for some animals to survive, and it can make some places too wet for others. This can make it hard for some plants and animals to find food or to live in their homes. Q: How can we help protect biodiversity? A: We can help protect biodiversity by using less energy, like turning off lights and walking or biking instead of driving. We can also recycle and use fewer plastic things. And we can make sure to take care of the plants and animals in our communities by not littering and by being kind to nature!   Share [![Share on Facebook](https://www.lean-labs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LLv2/images/icon-blog-facebook.png?noresize&width=24&name=icon-blog-facebook.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pixcellence.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fhuman-impact-on-biodiversity%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://www.lean-labs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LLv2/images/icon-blog-linkedin.png?noresize&width=24&name=icon-blog-linkedin.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pixcellence.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fhuman-impact-on-biodiversity%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://www.lean-labs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LLv2/images/icon-blog-twitter.png?noresize&width=24&name=icon-blog-twitter.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pixcellence.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fhuman-impact-on-biodiversity%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pixcellence.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fhuman-impact-on-biodiversity%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Human%20Impact%20on%20Biodiversity%20%7C%20Pixcellence) Published by [Clwyd Probert](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/author/clwyd-probert) February 17, 2023 ![Clwyd Probert](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/hubfs/blog/authors/clwyd-probert-watercolour-400.webp) [![Watercolour of an English landscape split in two: ancient oak woodland with a roe deer, fox and songbirds on one side, and freshly cleared ground with tree stumps on the other.](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/hubfs/blog/images/habitat-destruction-hero.webp) Read More](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/habitat-destruction) [biodiversity](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/tag/biodiversity) By [Clwyd Probert](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/author/clwyd-probert) on November 01, 2026 ### [Habitat Destruction: Causes, Effects and How to Stop It](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/habitat-destruction) [![Watercolour of an English lowland landscape: oak woodland edge, flower-rich meadow with a brown hare, a flowering hawthorn hedgerow and a chalk stream with a kingfisher on a willow branch.](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/hubfs/blog/images/what-is-biodiversity-hero-20261023.webp) Read More](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/what-is-biodiversity) [biodiversity](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/tag/biodiversity) By [Clwyd Probert](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/author/clwyd-probert) on October 23, 2026 ### [What Is Biodiversity? Meaning, Types and UK Examples](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/what-is-biodiversity) [![Watercolour of extinct species — a dodo, thylacine and great auk — fading into living species: a tiger, a blue butterfly and a sea turtle.](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/hubfs/blog/images/species-extinction-hero-hero-1.webp) Read More](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/species-extinction) [biodiversity](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/tag/biodiversity) By [Clwyd Probert](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/author/clwyd-probert) on April 21, 2026 ### [Species Extinction: Causes, Rates and Facts](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/blog/species-extinction) [Pixcellence](https://www.pixcellence.co.uk/) Every guide cites UK primary sources, keeps evidence separate from interpretation, and shows when it was last updated. 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