It’s Official – Science Proves Human Impact on Earth Began in 1874 with Real Images as Evidence

As time goes on, our awareness of how deeply we affect the planet is growing. While climate change isn’t exactly breaking news, the data behind it tells a story that starts long before modern headlines. Surprisingly, it begins all the way back in 1874—with a project now known as BioTIME.

This massive database, often called the “library of life,” is a collection of global observations and measurements of the natural world over nearly 150 years. And what it reveals is clear: human impact on Earth has been growing fast—and it’s far from slowing down.

Damage

Back in 1874, researchers and nature lovers started collecting data in the most basic ways. They watched birds, counted fish, measured tree heights—nothing high-tech, just good old-fashioned observation. At the time, it wasn’t about climate change or environmental collapse; it was just curiosity about how nature worked.

But those simple notes from the past have now become crucial. Stored in the BioTIME database, they show us just how much our planet has changed—and how much of that change is due to us.

Over the last 150 years, Earth’s ecosystems have faced increasing pressure from human activity. What started with logging and hunting has evolved into global deforestation, industrial pollution, and expanding cities that replace natural habitats with concrete jungles.

Library

So, what exactly is BioTIME?

BioTIME is a global biodiversity database that tracks how life on Earth has changed over time. Since its creation in 1874, it has gathered over 11.9 million records from more than 550,000 locations around the world.

It keeps tabs on where species are going, how populations are rising or falling, and which ecosystems are struggling to survive. From birds to fish to forests, BioTIME is like the ultimate journal for the state of nature.

For example, if there were 10,000 cod fish in a part of the ocean in 1940 and only 1,000 today, BioTIME tracks that. It also helps scientists see if animal migrations are shifting due to climate, or if some species are disappearing altogether.

Pressure

The database doesn’t just track animal counts—it highlights human impact. That includes things like deforestation, urban development, and agricultural expansion. As populations grow and cities spread, natural environments shrink.

One of the most powerful uses of BioTIME is testing whether protected areas—like national parks or conservation zones—are actually working. Are species doing better there? Is biodiversity higher? This data helps answer those questions and more.

Scientists even use it to predict how life could change in the future if we don’t take action now. Think of it as both a history book and a crystal ball for the environment.

Gaps

As impressive as BioTIME is, it isn’t perfect.

First, the data is uneven. There’s much more information about Europe and North America than about Africa, Asia, or South America. That means huge areas of the world—many of them rich in biodiversity—are underrepresented.

Second, the database doesn’t track insects very well. That might not sound like a big deal, but insects actually make up the largest portion of animal life on Earth. Their absence creates a blind spot in our understanding of how ecosystems are really doing.

In short, BioTIME is a great tool, but it doesn’t tell the whole story.

Action

Even with its flaws, BioTIME gives us something powerful: perspective. It shows how quickly we’ve altered the planet—and how urgently we need to change course.

Governments, researchers, environmental groups, and individuals all have a role to play. Whether it’s protecting forests, reducing waste, or changing the way we build and farm, there’s a lot we can do to slow the damage.

The best part? We don’t have to guess where to begin—BioTIME gives us the clues.

So yes, we absolutely should pay attention to this database. It’s more than a collection of numbers—it’s a mirror. And it’s showing us a planet that’s hurting more than we thought.

If we want to leave a healthier world behind, it starts with listening to what BioTIME is telling us. Were you aware just how much we’ve changed the planet in 150 years?

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