Download biodiversity at risk

BIODIVERSITY AT RISK
Biological diversity refers to the variety and variability among living organisms and the ecological complexes
in which they occur: microorganism, plants, animals, coral reefs, forests, deserts, oceans, they all play an
important role in maintaining balance of the ecosystem.
Recycling and storage of nutrients, combating pollution, stabilizing climate, and protecting water resources.
These are just some of the reasons why biodiversity is so important.
But we must not forget that:
Biodiversity and food: 80% of human food supply comes from 20 kinds of plants. But humans use 40,000
species for food, clothing and shelter. Biodiversity provides for variety of foods for the planet.
Biodiversity and human health: The shortage of drinking water is expected to create a major global crisis.
Biodiversity also plays an important role in drug discovery and medicinal resources. Medicines from nature
account for usage by 80% of the world’s population.
Biodiversity and industry: Biological sources provide many industrial materials. These include fiber, oil,
dyes, rubber, water, timber, paper and food.
Biodiversity and culture: Biodiversity enhances recreational activities like bird watching, fishing, trekking
etc. It inspires musicians and artists.
A unique and priceless heritage resulting of 3.5 billion years of evolution which - due to human actions - is
now under a serious threat to an extent rarely seen in earth history!
The main dangers worldwide are population growth and resource consumption, climate change and global
warming, habitat conversion and urbanization, invasive alien species, over-exploitation of natural resources
and environmental degradation.
For example:
- Scientists have predicted that by 2100, assuming that current trends in burning fossil fuels continue, the
surface of the Earth will warm on average by as much as 11 degrees Fahrenheit or more. It is not possible
to predict how most species, including our own, and how most ecosystems, will respond to such extreme
warming, but the effects are likely to be catastrophic.
- Excessive fertilizer use leads to excessive levels of nutrients in soil and water.
- According to FAO estimate, over 70% of the world’s fish species are either fully exploited or depleted.
- When an animal, plant, or microbe moves into a new area, it can affect the resident species in several
different ways. New species can parasitize or predate upon residents, hybridize with them, compete with
them for food, bring unfamiliar diseases, modify habitats, or disrupt important interactions.
What can we do to protect biodiversity?
There are several important ways in which we can stop – or at least slow - biodiversity loss:
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Choose products marked with an ecological label. Ecological labels attest to sustainability
throughout the product's life cycle.
Choose biodegradable cleaning products and avoid using plastic bags.
Favor seasonal products from local farms.
Drink tap water as a positive alternative to bottled water.
Use cars less. It's safer and healthier to bicycle and walk to nearby places.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Three great ways you can eliminate waste and protect your environment!
Do NOT buy products from illegal or excessive trade
Education is a powerful tool, and the more people know about biodiversity loss, the more they will
be prepared to help slow it. Spreading the word about human effects on plants and animals can
encourage people to change their ways and effect changes to preserve biodiversity!