We live on a very beautiful planet, where millions of plants and animals coexist. With an average temperature of 14ºC, life can exist on Earth and take on billions of shapes and colors. However, human beings have not known how to take care of it.
Proof of this is current climate change, which we are accelerating ever more as we take over jungles and forests, transforming them into cities and agricultural areas. This transformation not only affects local ecosystems, but also contributes to a massive extinction of living beings. According to a statement released by the Mexican Academy of Sciences and published on the Mexican website Infórmate, we caused the extinction of 72 species a day.
Humans are beings who, thanks to our logical intelligence, can do practically anything we want. But we often forget that we are not alone, that we are just another piece in the enormous puzzle that is life on Earth. Some believe we no longer live in the Holocene, that warm period that began with the last Ice Age, but in the Anthropocene.
What is the Anthropocene?
The Anthropocene is a new geological era in which humans have changed the Earth's natural cycle. This term has been coined by a group of specialists who, through various studies, have discovered that the imprint of modern humans will remain on the planet forever.
Today, in this new era, animals are the most vulnerableThe climate is changing, and so is its habitat. Added to this are the dangers of intensive and unsustainable hunting and fishing, as well as the introduction and invasion of exotic species promoted by globalization.
Thus, We are directly or indirectly responsible for the disappearance of 72 animal species every day and around 30.000 every year. This abrupt change in the fauna is alarming and highlights the need for a more conscious approach, which considers the mass extinction of species in the future.
A critical moment could soon be reached, where biodiversity as we know it will be severely affected by our actions. Currently, more than one million species are found in Danger of extinction, an alarming figure that has been confirmed by reports from various organizations and scientific studies.
Human impact on biodiversity
The reality is that biodiversity loss This is happening at a rate unprecedented in human history. A recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has indicated that one million species are threatened with extinction, many of them in the coming decades. This situation is not only an environmental problem, but also has profound implications for the environment. economic, social and cultural implications for the humanity.
A study published in the magazine Nature Communications. indicates that human beings have contributed to the extinction of approximately 1.430 bird species, which would represent more than double what was previously thought and which, unfortunately, is linked to the current global crisis. This figure is calculated in comparison with an estimated 600 species that had already been documented as extinct. It is essential to act to prevent this trend from continuing, as outlined in the article on the mass extinctions.
Consequences of extinctions
The extinction of species not only means the loss of animals and plants, but also implies the loss of crucial functions they play in their ecosystems. For example, many extinct birds were responsible for pollinating flowers or dispersing seeds, essential functions for maintaining biodiversity and a healthy environment. Without these animals, the ecological balance is disrupted, which can lead to the proliferation of invasive species and habitat degradation.
Ecosystems that depend on diverse species for their functioning tend to be more resilient. However, when many species are lost at once, the entire system may collapseThis dynamic has been observed in various parts of the world, such as the Pacific islands, where the arrival of humans has led to the extinction of numerous endemic species. The lack of these animals has contributed to dramatic changes in the ecosystem, such as the proliferation of pests and the decline in soil quality. In this context, the relationship between climate change and species extinction becomes even more evident.
Examples of endangered species
- Lions: Currently, only 7,500 lions remain in the wild, a 22% decrease since 2000.
- Polar bears: With 24,000 individuals in the wild, this species faces serious risks due to global warming. The situation of the polar bears is critical, and urgent action is needed.
- Extinct birds: It is estimated that humans have caused the extinction of more than 1,430 bird species, many of which were endemic to islands.
- Marine species: La overfishing and pollution have led to a drastic reduction in many species of fish and marine mammals, which is related to the critical situation of biodiversity.
The mass extinction events the planet has experienced, such as those that affected the dinosaurs, have been caused by radical changes in climate and environment, but now the main cause is human activity. The changes we generate are rapid and aggressive., and the consequences are difficult to predict, which is related to studies on the Chicxulub asteroid impact.
Actions needed for conservation
It is imperative that decisive action be taken to mitigate this biodiversity crisis. Various organizations and governments have been working on developing policies for species and habitat conservation. Initiatives such as the creation of protected areas, reforestation programs, and the implementation of stricter anti-poaching laws are important steps in the right direction. It is also crucial to consider the need to conserve endangered species.
Furthermore, education and awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the individual actions each person can take are crucial. Promoting a responsible consumption and respecting local fauna and flora can make a big difference in the conservation of our ecosystems. climate change threat should also be a focus of attention.
A global approach involving international cooperation is also necessary, as many conservation issues cross borders. Joint research and conservation programs can help address the challenges facing biodiversity globally.
