Why biodiversity loss hurts humans as much as climate change

Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research says the current fire in the Amazon rainforest is burning at its highest rate. It is source of concern for scientist and climate change enthusiast all over the world. To discuss this story, Desmond Majekodunmi, Environmentalist and Founder of Lufasi Urban Forest Park joins CNBC Africa for more.

A British scientist has named a species of beetle after teen climate activist Greta Thunberg. The scientist previously named a member of the tiny species after naturalist David Attenborough.

Argentine paleontologists have discovered the remains of new herbivorous species of dinosaur that inhabited the country's southern El Calafate area some 70 million years ago.

Diego the giant Galapagos tortoise whose tireless efforts are credited with almost single-handedly saving his once-threatened species, is transported by boat and put out to pasture on his native island after decades of breeding in captivity.

A gigantic dinosaur discovered in Australia's outback has been identified as a new species and recognised as one of the largest to ever roam the Earth, according to palaeontologists.

The spooky-looking amphibian is less scary than it appears to be. But it might already be endangered, as deforestation rates continue to go up.

Finland’s lake Saimaa is home to one of the world's rarest and most endangered seal species, the Saimaa ringed seal. Only a few hundred remain - numbers campaigners say are nowhere near high enough to ensure the population’s survival in future. Climate change has made it harder for the seal to build nests on the ice in winter, but the main threat has been the use of fishing nets in the tourism hotspot.

The world has not yet been able to safeguard ecosystems that are key to the well-being of humanity, the United Nations biodiversity chief has said.

Amid an unprecedented extinction event, scientists have warned that protecting biodiversity is essential to protecting human life. However, experts are unsure whether China has the experience to lead a global effort.

UN biodiversity chief: 'Without biodiversity, there would be no life'

Decades of conflict has made Iraq a hotbed for trafficking. From weapons to drugs, Iraq has dominated headlines. However, less attention has been focused on the trafficking of wild animals. In fact, the Middle East is considered one of the hubs of animal trafficking. Our correspondent in Iraq, Lucile Wassermann, went to meet the players in the trading of wildlife to understand the drivers behind it.

With humans facing an existential crisis from biodiversity loss, countries are attempting to strike an agreement along the lines of the Paris climate pact. But the long-delayed process needs political leadership.