EARTH’S BIODIVERSITY UNDER THREAT DUE TO HUMAN INTERFERENCE

When it comes to matters concerning the survival of our species, biodiversity is at the top of that list. This means that we are putting ourselves in grave danger by destroying it. The fewer animals we have, the fewer humans we will have. Perhaps this is the gospel we should all be preaching in this time and era where man has lost all empathy towards nature.

The many species on Earth, be it plants, animals or even microscopic organisms, are equally responsible in keeping a variety of ecosystems alive and balanced. Biodiversity acts as the backbone of this planet by ensuring the sustainability of life. However, currently, human activities are slowly crippling the Planet’s ability to sustain itself. Here are some of the factors contributing to it:

Deforestation and Habitat Loss

Deforestation directly causes the loss in by biodiversity through extinction. Estimates show that about 18 million acres of forests are lost yearly. This also has a direct effect on climate change in some areas following the depletion of these forests.

What can we do? The solution to deforestation lies in implementing policies that work best for us. For instance, companies and organizations can adapt best practices by avoiding using timber or paper suppliers that contribute to deforestation.

Overexploitation

Over-fishing and over-hunting also contributes to the loss of biodiversity, killing off millions of animal species over the past decades. Poaching, being one of the biggest contribution to animal extinction, increases the likeliness of losing an apex predator from a certain food chain. This can result in catastrophic consequences for ecosystems.

What can we do? Here, more awareness surrounding overexploitation and conservation is key. Governments can also play a part in preventing overexploitation by enforcing strict penalties against such practices.

Pollution

From the illegal damping of plastic waste in oceans to burning of fossil fuels every year, pollution completely disrupts the planet’s ecosystems.

What can we do? The average person can do a number of things to fight atmospheric and hydrologic pollution, such as recycling, conserving energy at home and using public transportation.