Global Wetland Loss Accelerates, Expert Warns UN

Dr. Hugh Robertson, a freshwater scientist with New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC), has delivered a stark warning to the United Nations about the accelerating loss of wetlands worldwide. According to the Global Wetland Outlook 2025 report, which he co-authored, the world is on a dangerous trajectory where another 20% of remaining wetlands could disappear by 2050 if urgent action is not taken.

Robertson highlighted that New Zealand has already lost 90% of its wetlands, a pattern mirrored globally. Since 1970, over 400 million hectares of wetlands have vanished, and the rate of loss is still increasing.