The Extraordinary Value of Wilderness Areas in the Anthropocene

James R. Allan, Hugh P. Possingham, Oscar Venter, Duan Biggs, James E.M. Watson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Humans have altered the majority of Earth’s terrestrial surface, yet some places still remain relatively undisturbed by modern society. These wilderness areas contain the most intact ecosystems on Earth. Here, we review the emerging evidence that wilderness areas are exceptionally important relative to more degraded ecosystems for biodiversity conservation (e.g. halving species extinction risk), Earth system functioning (e.g. supporting continental scale hydrological cycles), and for supporting the cultural integrity of many indigenous communities worldwide. We then describe the current state of wilderness conservation and mapping. Despite their immense value, wilderness areas are being rapidly lost, are under protected, and are almost completely overlooked in global environmental policy. Our window of opportunity to safeguard Earth’s last wilderness areas and their unique values is closing fast, but through a combination of smart policy changes and immediate large-scale conservation efforts, we can still secure them for future generations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationEncyclopedia of the World's Biomes
Subtitle of host publicationVolumes 1-5
PublisherElsevier
PagesV5-158-V5-168
Volume1-5
ISBN (Electronic)9780128160961
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2020
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Biodiversity
  • Climate change
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Ecological processes
  • Intact ecosystems
  • Sustainable development
  • Wilderness

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Environmental Science

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