Study finds one in four freshwater species at risk of extinction due to human activities

A study involving over 1,000 scientists found that nearly 25% of freshwater species, including fish, shrimp, and crabs, are at risk of extinction. This is due to pollution, land use changes, and other human activities. The research examined over 23,000 species on the IUCN "red list." It revealed that 54% of threatened freshwater species are impacted by pollution, while 39% face threats from dams and water extraction. Freshwater ecosystems are crucial for biodiversity and environmental health. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts, as freshwater species are declining faster than those in marine and terrestrial environments.