One million of the world's plant and animal species are under threat of extinction.
That's according to a landmark report from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services(IPBES).
Of the world's estimated 5.9 million land-based species, the report says more than 500,000 have insufficient habitat for long-term survival.
More than 40 per cent of amphibian species, almost 33 per cent of reef-forming corals and more than a third of all marine mammals are now also under threat.
In Australia, three native species have become extinct in the last decade and scientists say 17 more could be wiped out in the next 20 years.
Report co-chair Josef Settele says nature is declining at rates previously unseen in human history.
The report listed human use of the land and sea resources as being mostly to blame for the current trends, followed by direct exploitation of animals, climate change, pollution and invasive species.
It's been suggested relentless pursuit of economic growth around the world has been an additional contributing factor.
Another co-chair of the report, Eduardo Brondizio, says countries should shift to holistic approaches if they want to increase citizens’ quality of life.
Humans are not in any short-term danger, the study says, but reversing current trends will require an overhaul of the way we produce and consume almost everything, especially food.
More than a third of the world's land surface and nearly 75 per cent of freshwater resources are now devoted to crop or livestock production.
Mr Brondizio says it's not too late to change things, but action must happen soon.
