January 15, 2025
We’re Joining the Global Rewilding Alliance!
We're joining the Global Rewilding Alliance, a network of environmental organizations around the world!
New Study: Invasive Species as Costly as Natural Disasters
A new study in ScienceDirect led by Anna J. Turbelin analyzes biological invasions (invasive species) and natural hazards (storms, floods and wildfires) damage cost data over 1980–2019 and finds that invasion costs are as costly and increased faster over time with harmful impacts to societies and their environments, and human health.
Highlights
- Damage costs from biological invasions and natural hazards are of similar magnitude.
- Global biological invasion costs increased by 702% from 1980–1999 to 2000–2019.
- Invasion costs increased faster than natural hazard damages over time (1980–2019).
Scientists reported that despite invasive species’ massive and rising economic costs, awareness of the severity of biological invasions remains low. Investments in the management of invasions have been vastly underfunded and delayed, causing trillion-dollar impacts that could have been avoided.
A study in Conservation Biology from April 2023 quantified the economic costs of invasive alien species on islands — and the immense benefits of preventing and removing them. Removing invasive species from islands has an 88% success rate restoring biodiversity and ecological health.
Here are some ways you can help stop the spread of invasive species.
Want to learn more?
Check out other journal entries we think you might be interested in.
December 4, 2024
The Ebiil Society: Champions of Palau
Ann Singeo, founder of our partner organization the Ebiil Society, shares her vision for a thriving Palau and a flourishing world of indigenous science!
November 22, 2024
Permanent Commission for the South Pacific and Island Conservation Sign MOU to Protect Marine and Coastal Areas in the Southeast Pacific (CPPS)
This historic agreement aims to protect the marine and coastal areas of the Southeast Pacific.
November 18, 2024
Nukufetau Atoll Bolsters Pacific Conservation and Enhances Community Resilience by Removing Invasive Rats
Our projects to restore key islets in Nukufetau Atoll forecast climate resilience and community benefits in Tuvalu!
November 5, 2024
Island Conservation’s COP 16 Position Paper
Island Conservation attended the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity!
October 3, 2024
New Paper Shows Invasive Species Removal is a Nature-Based Solution for Climate Resilience
Island Conservation and partners have published a new paper quantifying ecosystem resilience on restored islands!
September 10, 2024
What is Climate Week?
Climate Week NYC: what is it and why is it important? Read on to find out why Island Conservation is attending this amazing event!
September 5, 2024
The Dynamic Coastlines that Change Island Futures
With sea levels on the rise, how are the coastlines of islands transforming? Read on to find out how dynamic islands really are!
August 6, 2024
New Paper Connects Island Restoration, Seabird Populations, and Coral Reef Health
New research shows the vital link between island restoration, healthy seabird populations, and resilient, thriving coral reefs!
March 25, 2024
Island restoration and the vital role of connector species
Penny Becker, Island Conservation’s Vice President of Conservation, wrote an article about connector species that was recently featured by our partners at Galapagos Conservation Trust. Her groundbreaking research has helped uncover the vital connections between land and sea, sparking a…