70% of global wilderness distributed across 5 countries

The vast majority of untouched nature on Earth lies within the territory of just five countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Russia, and the USA.

According to a study published in the scientific journal «Nature», these five countries are home to more than 70 percent of the planet's last remaining wilderness. Land and sea areas in which humanity has barely intervened now cover only one quarter of the Earth. “For the first time, we have mapped wilderness on both land and water and found that not much is left,” said the study's lead author, James Watson.

In most of these countries, however, governments are in power that show little commitment to nature and climate protection.

Due to the massive human exploitation of forests, oil reserves, and meat, as well as population growth, only 23 percent of land-based nature remains untouched, according to the study — one hundred years ago it was 85 percent. For the oceans, only 13 percent are considered nearly or entirely untouched.

Nature needs a break

“One interpretation of the study is that the alarm bells are ringing,” said Watson. “Another is that it is time to rethink and show leadership.”

“Similar to the extinction of species, the erosion of wilderness is irreversible,” the study states. States must enact laws to protect nature. “Nature needs a break,” said Watson. More on biodiversity and on wildlife.