Global Invasive Species: A Costly Threat to Biodiversity, Economy, and Health

A landmark UN-backed assessment is set to report that invasive species, which destroy forests, ravage crops, and cause extinctions, are a major and growing threat worldwide. Tens of thousands of alien species have taken root far from their place of origin, with humans being to blame for their introduction. The spread of these species is seen as evidence of the significant impact of human activity on natural systems, leading to the Anthropocene era. Invasive species are a significant cause of extinctions, particularly on small islands with endemic species. A global treaty aims to reduce the spread of invasive alien species by 50 percent compared to current levels.