Changes in biodiversity

Throughout evolution, plant and animal species have appeared and disappeared — some have remained without changes, while others have divided into subspecies.

Climate changes, ice ages in particular, were probably responsible for the development of endemic European subspecies. With the exception of major geological or cosmic events (such as volcanic eruptions or collisions with meteors), the decline and appearance of species usually takes place over geological periods of time.

During the past 10,000 years, however, the most dramatic impacts on the environment have resulted from the relatively rapid and omnipresent changes caused by human activity. Today it is arguable that there is no place in Europe below 2,000 meters that has not been altered by humans in one way or another.

Threats to biodiversity 

Land use impacts on biodiversity habitats in Europe   


Human impact often creates new ecological conditions. Furthermore, many changes occur too quickly to allow species to adapt, leading to a progressive reduction in the number of plant and animal species. Since a number of these species are endemic, local disappearance also results in total extinction.

Seen from a global perspective, relatively more species are threatened or have become extinct in Europe than in other parts of the world. Habitat loss, fragmentation, pollution, overexploitation and the introduction of exotic species have been identified as the main threats to biodiversity.