Is global biodiversity declining or improving?

Biodiversity faces serious threats, with species extinction rates higher than natural background levels. However, conservation efforts are showing success. For example, giant panda populations have rebounded in China due to habitat protection, and whale populations are recovering thanks to international bans on commercial whaling. Protected areas now cover more than 16% of global land and 8% of oceans. Media literacy helps balance alarming headlines with evidence of progress, reminding us that conservation works when sustained. Fact-based truth: biodiversity challenges remain urgent, but global action is slowing decline and reversing losses in many cases.