species worldwide (well established) {2.1.2, 3.2.4.2}. 
Progressive degradation of nature, including from pollution 
and fragmentation of ecosystems, has facilitated the 
establishment and spread of invasive alien species (well 
established) {3.3.1.2, 3.3.1.3, 3.3.1.5, 3.3.1.6, 3.3.3}. 
Demographic drivers10 also facilitate the introduction and 
spread of invasive alien species, although it is acknowledged 
that drivers differ across regions (well established) {3.2.2}. In 
the last 50 years, the number of people in the world has 
more than doubled, consumption has tripled, and global 
trade has grown nearly tenfold, with shifting patterns across 
regions (well established) {3.1.1}. This acceleration of the 
world economy is increasing the rate and magnitude of 
many direct and indirect drivers, particularly those related to 
trade, travel and land- and sea-use change,11 leading to 
further biological invasions (well established) {3.1.1, 3.2.2}.
SUMMARY FOR POLICYMAKERS
19SUMMARY FOR POLICYMAKERS
BACKGROUND
B. Globally, invasive alien species and their impacts are 
increasing rapidly and are predicted to continue rising in 
the future