by Julia Vasconcellos
INTRODUCTION
Over the last century, an absolute minimum of 477 vertebrate species have gone extinct. This may not seem like a huge number; however, scientists estimate that without anthropogenic influence, these species would have taken nearly a millennium or longer to disappear. The difference between these numbers clearly convey an issue in the health of our planet, and scientists are sweeping the globe and racking their brains to find solutions.
THE SIXTH MASS EXTINCTION
In the history of the Earth, there are five definite occurences of mass extinctions, classified as the loss of seventy five percent of the planet’s species in less than 2.8 million years, a “short” geographic period. The last of these definite extinctions happened in the Cretaceous period, when the dinosaurs died and made way for the evolution of humans. However, many scientists agree that the planet is currently undergoing a sixth mass extinction orchestrated by humankind.
To classify a human-caused mass extinction, scientists must determine whether the loss of biodiversity is exceedingly faster than estimates made for a world without the influence of humans. A tool to achieve this is called the background rate, which experts use to estimate rates of extinction naturally. One study, using very conservative estimates, determined that the current rate of extinction is at least ten times higher than the background rate, with other studies claiming the rate is up to ten thousand times higher. Either way, the exceptionally high rates of extinction across the last few centuries undeniably support the claim that the planet is undergoing a sixth mass extinction.
WHAT IS CAUSING THESE EXTINCTIONS?
Human activity is the driving factor behind this rapidly increasing extinction rate. More specifically, loss of habitat, climate change and pollution are some of the main issues contributing to loss of species. Construction of cities and ever-expanding suburban sprawl takes up land that previously belonged to animals, chasing them out of their territories and often into unforgiving concrete jungles. Pollution, both gradual and sudden, can poison previously healthy species in an area; the Deepwater Horizon oil spill alone affected 600 species, with scientists predicting harmful effects on those species’ populations for generations. Finally, climate change is warping habitats and making them unlivable for certain species, with one notable example being the decreasing polar bear populations in the arctic due to melting ice. These issues and more are threats to biodiversity and actively causing extinctions every year.
SOLUTIONS
Policymakers, industries, and scientists have pored over this question and are still considering methods to slow the current loss of biodiversity. Some ideas include converting working land into wildlife sanctuaries with the cooperation of local farmers, reforming fisheries, and reducing methane pollution, which is a major force behind the rapidly changing climate. While good in principle, more commitment to saving species is necessary to truly make an impact. Scientists across a myriad of studies agree that unless huge conservation efforts are placed into effect, and soon, decaying biodiversity may not be able to be slowed or reverted.
What are some other methods industries could implement to help reduce the extinction rate? How can the average person help to reduce the loss of biodiversity? Who do you think is the most important force behind motivating conservation efforts?
Sources:
https://theconversation.com/what-is-a-mass-extinction-and-are-we-in-one-now-122535
https://www.edf.org/blog/2019/05/22/humans-are-causing-1-million-species-go-extinct-here-are-3-ways-still-save-them
https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/1/5/e1400253
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/jan/02/florida-panther-extinction-collier-county-development-project
https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/photos/10-animals-at-risk-of-extinction-from-the-gulf-oil-spill/threat-of-exti
https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/polar-bears-and-climate-change
2 comments:
I think we can slow this extinction down, but we will never escape it. One way we could slow it down is by well...slowing down. If we stop unnecessary expansion or excess innovation, then we can avoid destroying biodiversity in the name of "progress." I understand that some people want a Roomba, but there are insanely absurd inventions like robot chefs for the home: you're telling me that you're too lazy to learn to cook or too lazy to go for the dining experience? We're diverting resources to robot chefs for residential use COME ON! What if we just focused on this 6th mass extinction...maybe we'd slow down with the side-quests. (rant = done)
Some steps that we can take to slow the current rate of extinction are having federal and local governments institute more policies that call for preservation instead of destruction of habitats and increased awareness and education about this 6th mass extinction to both children and adults. I think if the government was involved, the sense of authority would compel more people to practice more environmentally friendly measures. The government could set restrictions on certain pieces of land so they cannot be intruded upon or used for any other purpose than preservation. Increased education about this extinction will keep people more knowledgeable and bring emotions into the picture, making people want to do the right thing more.
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