Decimation of Species

 


Like the canaries in the coal mines that provided warning of the presence of dangerous gases, amphibians have been indicators of the health of planet Earth. A new study takes our understanding a giant step forward.

The report of the Zoological Society of London and the Global Footprint Network said that the world's species are declining at a rate “unprecedented since the extinction of the dinosaurs.”


In the 35 years between 1970 and 2005, land species have declined 25%, marine life by 28% and freshwater species by 29%. These are not population numbers but species that are gone never to return.

Scientists report that “the current extinction rate is 10,000 faster than what has been recorded as normal.” Governments have made commitments to reduce biodiversity loss but have taken little action. The consequences of inaction and further loss will be devastating, not only to the lost species but to the remaining beings.

Humans are the main cause of this epidemic. They are the primary agents of climate change, pollution, destruction of animals' natural habitat, spread of invasive species, and overexploitation of species.

We must take steps to avoid continuing to destroy natural habitat by overdevelopment and cultivation and avoid overfarming and overfishing a la the industrial mode.

The life community on earth is a mystery in delicate balance, perfected over hundreds of thousands of years. Loss of species results in loss of harmony, confusion and pain for the survivors, including humans. Man, who often forgets or denies that he is an integral part of nature, acts as though the natural world was invented to serve his wants and desires.

We can not plead ignorance in the face of overwhelming evidence. Action is needed to divert us from this perilous path. We need, first, to honour a vision of the interconnectedness of life on this planet that is difficult to fully comprehend, but to continue along the trodden path is suicide and fratricide.

 

 

May 27, 2008

TO PRINT News on Society What's new ?

© New Acropolis Canada