Declaring that the sixth mass extinction has arrived, Stanford biologist Paul Ehrlich confirms that species are disappearing off the face of Earth faster now than at any time since the mass extinction of dinosaurs. Calling for “fast action to conserve threatened species, populations and habitat before the window of opportunity closes,” Ehrlich and his team
Along with the rapid disappearance of much of the world’s wild biodiversity over the past century, the diversity of domesticated plant and animal species has also been falling rapidly. This loss of species diversity and genetic diversity poses a serious threat to continuation of modern industrial agriculture, and perhaps much more importantly, to the free
A new study paints a dire picture of the coming decades, showing that more than half of the common species of plant found across the planet and one third of common animal species could see a dramatic population decline if something is not done to halt global warming soon. “While there has been much research
Funny cartoon. And certainly true. Here’s some more information on human-caused species extinctions, deforestation and agricultural failure, human-caused climate change, and ocean acidification for those interested. Happy Holidays
I saw this posted on Climate Central a few days ago and passed on reposting it. But, with Miami’s big win in Boston and the 7th game in the series happening tonight (go, Miami!), I finally thought I’d repost this one. It’s a great analogy and drives home a very important point. Check it out
New research has revealed that it took the Earth over 10 million years to recover from its greatest mass extinction. All life on the planet was nearly wiped out 250 million years ago, only 10 percent of plants and animals survived. It’s currently a matter of debate how quickly life recovered from this massive loss
The world is living far beyond its resources according to a new report by the conservation group WWF. So much so that at current levels of consumption the earth would need to be 50 percent larger, and by projected levels of consumption in 2030, two times the size it is now. Biodiversity has declined
Loss of biodiversity appears to negatively affect ecosystems as much as climate change, pollution or other major stressors. In some cases, it has reduced overall plant growth by over 10 percent. “Some people have assumed that biodiversity effects are relatively minor compared to other environmental stressors,” said biologist David Hooper of Western Washington University,
From microscopic plants and jellyfish to predatory packs of Orcas and soon-to-be-arriving Pacific squid…The “alien” invasion of the Atlantic ocean by Pacific Ocean species is fully underway, all made possible by ever-decreasing Arctic sea ice cover. It is being called the “largest species invasion in over 2 million years” and, as the Arctic ice sheet continues to melt and shrink, it is permitting a freer exchange of species between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, with dire consequences for Atlantic biodiversity and ecology predicted.
A group of 30 leading Earth and Environmental scientists is proposing “nine planetary boundaries”, or “safety zones”, that must not be crossed, in order to preserve the planetary and environmental balance that human civilizations (and much of the rest of the biosphere) require. Crossing these boundaries–and three of them may have already been crossed–could “generate unacceptable environmental change for humanity.”
