Biodiversity is the diverse range of organism within a specific environment. When speaking globally, the Earth is currently on the edge of a mass global extinction of its biodiversity. We wonder how mankind is planning on handling such a threatening situation, expecting world powers to act accordingly. There are economic blueprints and theories thrown here and there but yet there has not been a direct initial action to prevent any further loss of biodiversity. Approximately 10% - 30% mammals, birds, and amphibians, according to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, are being threatened of extinction due to our everyday activities from driving to the store or simply turning on the lights.
Based on the data presented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the rate of extinctions is as followed: 1 out of every 8 birds, 4 mammals, 4 conifers, 3 amphibians, and 6 out of 7 marine turtles. Climate change has taken a toll for these diverse species, where it leaves them vulnerable and exposed to such changes. The rate at which changes are at has resulted in a variety of habitat loss, on land and oceanic. The damaged done by our actions are measured on a large scale in which it would take decades to repair. From 75% of genetic diversity of agricultural crops being lost, to another additional 75% world fisheries being fully or over exploited. Besides other species, we are affecting ourselves, by depleting our resources, food supply, and water supply. The IUCN has estimated that over 350 million people will suffer from severe water scarcity. If temperatures exceed more than 3 – 5 degrees Celsius, 70% of known species will be at risk of extinction.
Species being extinct has occurred since species were introduced to planet Earth. It has been almost a natural process for ecosystems and biomes. The reasons behind common extinctions are due to unsustainable hunting, introducing alien species to new habitats, destruction of habitats (from deforestation to clearing of lands to establish use for human benefits such as housing or industries), and most important: climate change. Climate change is a natural occurrence. However, due to human actions, has been entirely altered. Constant burning of fossil fuels and natural gases for energy purposes, manufacturing, and transportation, lead to the cause of global warming. Global warming is another global issue; nevertheless it is one of the root causes of biodiversity loss. From the deterioration of our ozone layer to the rise of green house gases, temperatures will continue to rise simultaneous as we continue to destroy our environments and species. With global warming taking its toll, ocean levels rises, with rapid storms are occurring more constant and vicious. Ice caps or icy land masses leave little to no terrain for polar bears or other arctic animals to inhabit. Arctic tundra’s melts; rises in methane in the atmosphere.
Protecting the environment is difficult in terms of stabilizing the economy. It is close to impossible, but it is not. Reducing the amounts of carbon emitting materials/substances and other green house gasses will significantly help the severe declining of biodiversity. Simple actions such as unplugging unnecessary electrical outlets that are not in use may benefit greatly. Although global warming is a major cause of biodiversity loss, it is not the only factor. Pollution is also a subject matter in such losses. The pollutions of oceans and land have reduced the ecosystem of species within the given area. It is necessary to act upon this quickly, and accordingly, for time is limited
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