The planet is in jeopardy, and humans are to blame. A new UN study finds the growth in the human population is having a negative effect on the land and seas. Scientists warn it's putting more species on the verge of extinction than ever before. CGTN's Jim Spellman explains.

In the oceans on land and in the air up to a million plant and animal species are facing extinction in the coming decades - that's the alarming conclusion from a far-reaching new UN study.

ROBERT WATSON, CHAIR INTERGOVERNMENTAL SCIENCE-POLICY PLATFORM ON BIODIVERSITY & ECOSYSTEM SERVICES "We've lost much of our native forests, much of our native wetlands and effectively biodiversity needs to be considered as an equally important issue as climate change. It's not just an environmental issue, it is an economic issue, a development issue, a security issue, social, moral and ethical issue. The time for action clearly is now."

145 authors from 50 countries spent three years compiling the report. They conclude that human activity is driving this ecological crisis. Global climate change and pollution plus deforestation, industrial farming, over-fishing and rapid urbanization are damaging or eliminating natural habitats-- In turn threatening humanity.

ROBERT WATSON, CHAIR INTERGOVERNMENTAL SCIENCE-POLICY PLATFORM ON BIODIVERSITY & ECOSYSTEM SERVICES "As we lose biodiversity, it threatens human wellbeing, all the way as I've said from food security, water security, energy security. Also loss of natural resources in some parts of the world can lead to conflict between people basically and especially poor people are hurt and therefore they're most dependent on natural resources."

Environmental activists want action now, and the authors say it's not too late for change on a global scale.

ANNE LARIGAUDERIE, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY INTERGOVERNMENTAL SCIENCE-POLICY PLATFORM ON BIODIVERSITY & ECOSYSTEM SERVICES "We have not lost the battle and if given the chance, nature will reconquer its rights and will prevail so we really want everyone to feel that they can contribute, that they are part of the solution."

JIM SPELLMAN WASHINGTON DC "The authors say we will have to make 'Transformative change' in how we eat, live and work to reduce the negative impact humans are having on the planet. It will require placing long term environmental benefit ahead of short term economic gain. JSP, CGTN, WASHINGTON."